History of Mat Ishbia in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2025

Mat Ishbia is an American billionaire businessman, primarily known as the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). He gained further prominence as the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), alongside his brother Justin. Ishbia's career reflects a transition from business leadership in the mortgage industry to sports ownership at a high level.

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Full Timeline

January 6, 1980: Mat Ishbia's Birth

On January 6, 1980, Mathew Randall Ishbia was born. He is now an American billionaire businessman and the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage, as well as the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA).

Others born on this day/year

2000: Michigan State National Championship

In 2000, Mat Ishbia was a member of the Michigan State basketball team that won the national championship.

2013: Becomes CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage

In 2013, Mat Ishbia became the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), a mortgage lender that was originally founded by his father in 1986.

2015: UWM Becomes Leading Wholesale Mortgage Lender

In 2015, under the leadership of Mat Ishbia, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) became the leading wholesale mortgage lender in the United States.

2019: Publishes "Running the Corporate Offense"

In 2019, Mat Ishbia published his first book, "Running the Corporate Offense: Lessons in Effective Leadership from the Bench to the Board Room."

Running the Corporate Offense: Lessons in Effective Leadership from the Bench to the Board Room

Check it on Amazon

February 4, 2021: $32 Million Donation to Michigan State University

On February 4, 2021, Mat Ishbia donated $32 million to Michigan State University, the largest one-time commitment from an individual, with $20 million earmarked for a new Tom Izzo Basketball Building.

November 2021: Additional $14 Million Donation to Michigan State University

In November 2021, Mat Ishbia agreed to donate an additional $14 million to Michigan State University to retain head football coach Mel Tucker. This donation was later confirmed through a legal battle to obtain donation records originally denied by MSU through a FOIA.

2021: Becomes a Billionaire and UWM Policy Change

In 2021, Mat Ishbia became a billionaire when United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) became a publicly traded company. Also in 2021, UWM announced that it would no longer conduct business with brokers who also worked with competitors Rocket Mortgage and Fairway Independent Mortgage, which resulted in a lawsuit filed by brokers a month later.

December 2022: Bid Accepted to Purchase Phoenix Suns and Mercury

In December 2022, Mat Ishbia's bid to purchase the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) basketball teams for $4 billion was accepted, pending approval from the NBA.

February 6, 2023: NBA Approves Purchase of Phoenix Suns and Mercury

On February 6, 2023, the NBA approved Mat Ishbia's purchase of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA).

2023: Altercation with Nikola Jokić

During Game 4 of the Phoenix Suns' 2023 playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Mat Ishbia was involved in an altercation with Nuggets player Nikola Jokić, resulting in Jokić being assessed a technical foul and fined $25,000 the next day.

May 2024: Net Worth Listed at $10.1 Billion and Interest in Reviving NHL Franchise

As of May 2024, Forbes listed Mat Ishbia's net worth at US$10.1 billion. Also in May 2024, when the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL suspended operations in the Phoenix area, Ishbia announced his interest in reviving an NHL franchise in the Phoenix area.