A prominent team sponsor has joined the voices calling for the permanent exit of Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Sarver.
The NBA suspended Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million on Tuesday after an independent investigation into allegations he created a toxic work environment in Phoenix. That report found that Sarver used the “N-word” at least five times, sexually harassed female employees, and yelled and cursed at workers.
On Thursday, Suns vice chairman Jahm Najafi, who owns the second-largest share of the team, released an open letter calling for Sarver’s resignation.
And on Friday, PayPal said it would not renew its sponsorship if Sarver continues in his role with the Suns following his suspension. PayPal is the team’s jersey patch partner.
“PayPal is a values-driven company and has a strong record of combatting racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination,” PayPal CEO and president Dan Schulman said in a statement. “We have reviewed the report of the NBA league’s independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and have found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values.
“… In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.”
PayPal’s sponsorship deal, which also includes the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, began in 2018 and is set to expire following the 2022-23 season.
According to ESPN sources, the PayPal deal with the Suns was worth $3 million during the 2021-22 season.
–Field Level Media