History of Robert Sarver in Timeline
"Robert Gary Sarver is an American businessman known for his ventures in real estate and professional sports. He co-founded Southwest Value Partners, a real estate development firm. Sarver is also recognized for his ownership of prominent sports franchises including the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, and Spain's RCD Mallorca football club in La Liga."
October 31, 1961: Birth of Robert Sarver
Robert Gary Sarver was born on October 31, 1961. He would become a prominent businessman, involved in real estate, banking, and sports team ownership.
1979: Jack Sarver's Death and Robert's Graduation
Robert Sarver graduated from Sabino High School and his father, Jack Sarver, a prominent Tucson businessman, passed away from a heart attack.
1982: Graduation from University of Arizona
Robert Sarver graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
1983: Certified Public Accountant
Robert Sarver became a certified public accountant in 1983.
1990: Co-founding of Southwest Value Partners
Robert Sarver co-founded the real estate company Southwest Value Partners with Millard Seldin.
1993: Suns' Last NBA Finals Appearance Before 2021
Prior to their 2021 appearance, the Phoenix Suns' last NBA Finals appearance was in 1993.
1995: Acquisition of Grossmont Bank
Robert Sarver acquired Grossmont Bank, one of San Diego's largest community banks.
1995: Purchase of Emerald Plaza
Southwest Value Partners, co-founded by Robert Sarver, purchased the Emerald Plaza in San Diego.
1997: Sale of Grossmont Bank
Grossmont Bank was sold to Zions Bancorporation.
1997: Founding of the Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury, a WNBA team, was founded by former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo.
1998: Zions Bancorporation Acquires Sumitomo Bank of California
Robert Sarver spearheaded the acquisition of Sumitomo Bank of California by Zions Bancorporation.
2003: Chairman of Western Alliance Bancorporation
Robert Sarver assumed the role of chairman at Western Alliance Bancorporation, headquartered in Phoenix.
2004: Sarver Purchases Phoenix Mercury
Robert Sarver purchased the Phoenix Mercury WNBA team alongside the Phoenix Suns.
2004: Purchase of the Phoenix Suns
Robert Sarver purchased the Phoenix Suns basketball team for a record-breaking $401 million.
2004: Sale of Emerald Plaza and Other Properties
Southwest Value Partners, Robert Sarver's real estate firm, sold the Emerald Plaza and two other San Diego office buildings to Triple Net Properties for $274.5 million.
2007: First WNBA Championship Under Sarver
The Phoenix Mercury won their first WNBA championship under Robert Sarver's ownership.
2009: Second WNBA Championship
The Phoenix Mercury, owned by Robert Sarver, secured their second WNBA championship.
2010: Sarver Criticizes Arizona Immigration Law
In 2010, Robert Sarver publicly criticized Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB-1070. In a show of support for the Latino community, the Phoenix Suns wore "Los Suns" jerseys on Cinco de Mayo.
2014: Third WNBA Championship Victory
The Phoenix Mercury, under Robert Sarver's ownership, achieved their third WNBA championship victory.
January 2016: Acquisition of RCD Mallorca
Robert Sarver purchased the Spanish football team RCD Mallorca, then in the second division, for €20 million.
2017: RCD Mallorca's Demotion
RCD Mallorca, under Robert Sarver's management, was relegated to the Segunda División B, the Spanish third division.
2019: RCD Mallorca's Return to La Liga
RCD Mallorca returned to La Liga, the Spanish first division, during the 2019-2020 season.
2020: Verizon 5G Performance Center Opens
The Phoenix Suns, under Robert Sarver's ownership, collaborated with Verizon to open the state-of-the-art Verizon 5G Performance Center, a $45 million practice arena utilizing 5G technology.
November 4, 2021: ESPN Publishes Report on Sarver and Suns
ESPN published a report by Baxter Holmes accusing Robert Sarver and members of the Phoenix Suns front office of racist and misogynistic behavior, prompting an NBA inquiry.
2021: RCD Mallorca Remains in La Liga
As of 2021, RCD Mallorca, owned by Robert Sarver, remained in La Liga, the Spanish first division.
2021: Footprint Center Renovation and Expansion
Robert Sarver and the Phoenix Suns oversaw a $230 million renovation and expansion of Footprint Center (formerly Talking Stick Resort Arena), including modern amenities, premium seating, and infrastructure improvements.
2021: Mercury Reach WNBA Finals
The Phoenix Mercury reached the WNBA Finals, marking their fourth conference title win under Robert Sarver's ownership.
September 13, 2022: NBA Fines and Suspends Sarver
On September 13, 2022, the NBA fined Robert Sarver $10 million and suspended him for one year following an investigation into allegations of racism, sexism, and bullying. The investigation found that he used racial slurs, made inappropriate comments towards female employees, and treated employees poorly.
December 20, 2022: Sarver Agrees to Sell Suns and Mercury
On December 20, 2022, Robert Sarver agreed to sell the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury to Mat Ishbia for $4 billion following pressure from the league, players, and sponsors due to his suspension for inappropriate conduct.
February 7, 2023: Sarver Relinquishes Ownership of Phoenix Teams
Robert Sarver lost his ownership rights to both the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.
February 2023: Sarver Makes Large Donation to Suns Charities
In February 2023, Robert Sarver and his wife donated $5 million to Phoenix Suns Charities. He also gave a $20,000 bonus to each Suns team employee that had been with the organization for at least a year.
September 13, 2023: Sarver's Suspension Ends
Despite selling the teams in December 2022, Sarver's suspension from the NBA and WNBA remained active until September 13, 2023.
