Phoenix Suns minority owners Andy Kohlberg and Scott Selding have filed a lawsuit against team owner Mat Ishbia, alleging that he has refused access to internal records. The legal action comes amid ongoing tensions within the ownership structure of the NBA franchise. Kohlberg and Selding, who hold minority stakes in the team, claim that Ishbia has denied them access to critical information about the Suns’ operations, including financial reports, strategic decisions, and internal communications.
The lawsuit alleges that this lack of transparency has hindered the minority owners’ ability to effectively participate in the management and decision-making processes of the team. The dispute has raised questions about the governance structure of the Suns, particularly in the wake of Ishbia’s acquisition of a majority stake in the franchise. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how minority owners in professional sports leagues are treated regarding transparency and governance rights.
As the legal battle progresses, the NBA and its league governance bodies may be called upon to mediate or provide guidance on how to resolve the dispute. The outcome of the lawsuit could have broader implications for the structure of team ownership and the rights of minority shareholders in the league.