The Phoenix have long been a valued franchise in the NBA, and one that has been held in high regard. Not only has the start of the season been a challenge on the court, as the team has a 6-12 record, financially, the team has taken a hit. Forbes ranks all the NBA franchises according to value, and this year's list reveals that Phoenix is heading in the wrong direction.
The franchise is still in the top 10 in the NBA in total value, but one year ago the Suns were number eight. They are the only franchise in the top 10 to have decreased in value. Phoenix decreased in value four percent, being worth now $395 million dollars. The Suns are one of eight teams to have decreased in value. When Robert Sarver purchased the team in 2004, he paid $404 million.
At this point, it hasn't been such a good investment.
Financially, it can be explained some. They rank 13th in revenue, but have the 10th most debt.
It goes a bit further, as public perception affects things. The team is in decline, as are ticket sales. With the current state of the franchise, there is also lacking any hope for the future because there is no one on the roster that can be viewed as the future of the team.
As we all know, things can change quickly, but right now the Suns are a team that is losing both on the court and in the bank account. That's not where you want to be.
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