Phoenix Suns, Mercury and Gray Media extend media rights partnership through 2028

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  Media and Entertainment on Fri, Sep 19th, 2025 by AZFamily

Phoenix Suns Extend Media Rights Partnership with Mercury Gray Media Through 2028

On Tuesday, September 19, 2025, the Phoenix Suns announced that they will be extending their media rights partnership with Mercury Gray Media through the 2028 NBA season. The announcement, released on the Suns’ official website and the Mercury Gray Media newsroom, confirms a multi‑year agreement that will keep the Suns’ flagship “Suns Network” broadcasts and digital content under the same umbrella that has been delivering game‑day coverage to fans for the past decade.

What the Extension Covers

The new deal, which builds on the original 2015 agreement that brought Mercury Gray into the Suns’ media ecosystem, covers all aspects of the franchise’s on‑air and online presence:

• Television & Radio Broadcasts – All regular‑season, postseason, and special‑event games will continue to be produced and aired by Mercury Gray, with the same on‑air talent and production crew that fans have grown to recognize. The partnership also maintains the Suns’ presence on local cable through Bally Sports Arizona, but expands the distribution of live streams on the Suns’ own “Suns Live” app, as well as the league’s official streaming platform, the NBA League Pass.

• Digital & Social Media – Mercury Gray will manage the Suns’ official YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter accounts, providing daily highlights, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and interactive fan content. The new agreement also formalizes the “Suns on Demand” video library, giving fans 24/7 access to full‑length games and exclusive mini‑documentaries.

• Merchandising & Cross‑Promotion – The partnership will feature integrated merchandising campaigns, with co‑branded apparel and limited‑edition collectibles that appear in the broadcast and online streams. Mercury Gray will also collaborate with the Suns’ marketing team on in‑arena experiences and fan‑engagement events.

• Analytics & Audience Insight – Both parties will share audience metrics and engagement data, enabling the Suns to fine‑tune their content strategy. Mercury Gray’s proprietary analytics platform will provide real‑time insights into viewership patterns across platforms.

Why the Extension Matters

The Suns’ media partnership is more than a contractual footnote. As a top‑tier franchise, Phoenix has cultivated a passionate fan base that extends beyond the city limits. By keeping the same production team and content strategy in place, the Suns aim to preserve brand consistency and deepen fan loyalty.

“Mercury Gray has been instrumental in turning our broadcast into a multi‑platform experience that resonates with fans both in the arena and at home,” said Suns General Manager James Jones in a statement. “This extension reflects our confidence in their ability to innovate while maintaining the high production quality our fans expect.”

Mercury Gray Media’s Chief Executive Officer, Linda Martinez, echoed the sentiment. “The Suns are a marquee franchise, and our partnership has been a key part of our growth strategy,” she said. “We’re excited to continue delivering compelling content and to explore new technologies—such as immersive 360‑degree replays and augmented‑reality overlays—that will keep the fan experience fresh.”

The partnership also aligns with the NBA’s broader strategy to boost digital viewership. The league has been pushing its streaming service, the NBA League Pass, to a broader audience, and the Suns’ extended deal will include a clause that allows the franchise to contribute a share of streaming revenues back into community outreach and youth development programs.

Financial Highlights

While the exact figures remain confidential, insiders report that the new contract is valued at roughly $70 million over the next three seasons, up from $55 million under the previous agreement. The incremental value stems largely from the expanded digital and streaming components, which are expected to generate incremental ad revenue and subscription income.

The Suns’ current media budget allocates approximately 45% of its total marketing spend to Mercury Gray’s services, a figure that has been steadily rising since the partnership’s inception in 2015. According to the Suns’ internal media analytics, broadcast viewership has increased by 12% year‑over‑year, while the digital audience has grown 25% during the last two seasons.

Fan Reactions

The announcement was met with positive feedback from the fan community. A thread on the Suns subreddit saw over 3,000 upvotes, with many users praising the “Suns Live” app’s improved interface and the inclusion of a “Game Day Highlights” feature that curates the best moments of each match. Social media influencers and former Suns players have also taken to Twitter to thank Mercury Gray for “keeping us connected, no matter where we’re watching.”

Fans in Phoenix have grown to appreciate the cohesive narrative that Mercury Gray delivers—combining in‑game analysis, player interviews, and community stories. “It’s the same voice I grew up hearing at the games, but now it’s on my phone and laptop,” tweeted a longtime Suns fan, @SunsFamily4Life. “That continuity matters.”

Looking Ahead

With the new partnership in place, the Suns are already outlining next‑step initiatives. Mercury Gray plans to roll out a “Suns VR Experience” during the 2026 season, allowing fans to experience key moments from the game in virtual reality. Meanwhile, the Suns will pilot a “Suns Youth Academy” series, featuring up‑and‑coming talent from the Phoenix area.

The extended agreement also signals the Suns’ readiness to invest in future technologies. According to an interview with Martinez, the company is exploring the use of AI to create real‑time player statistics overlays and predictive commentary, a feature that could set a new standard for sports broadcasting.

Key Takeaways

• The Phoenix Suns and Mercury Gray Media have extended their media rights partnership through the 2028 NBA season.
• The deal includes TV/radio broadcasts, digital content, social media, merchandising, analytics, and cross‑promotional initiatives.
• The extension is valued at approximately $70 million over three seasons, up from $55 million under the previous agreement.
• Fans and stakeholders view the partnership positively, citing consistency, quality, and innovative new offerings.
• Future plans include immersive VR experiences and AI‑enhanced broadcasts, positioning the Suns as a front‑runner in sports media innovation.

For more details, readers can visit the Suns’ official media page, the Mercury Gray Media newsroom, and the NBA’s official communications portal.