The Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury have a new home — at least in name.
The organization has secured a naming-rights deal with Mortgage Matchup that will change the name of PHX Arena to Mortgage Matchup Center.
Mortgage Matchup is the consumer-facing brand for United Wholesale Mortgage, which is headquartered in Pontiac, Mich. Suns and Mercury majority owner Mat Ishbia is CEO and chairman of the mortgage-lending company.
The 10-year deal is worth nearly $115 million. The new arena name will get heavy publicity from the start — the Mercury are about to tip-off the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is Friday in Las Vegas. Game 3 will be Wednesday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Temporary signage already will be in place.
“I’m extremely excited about this partnership, as it represents two organizations that have natural alignment and a shared commitment to excellence,” Ishbia said in a statement. “Arizona is one of the strongest markets for mortgage brokers, and we see a fantastic opportunity through Mortgage Matchup to help consumers better understand the value of having an expert advising them through this process to ensure they get the fastest, easiest and cheapest path to homeownership or a refinance — and greater education will ensure more consumers can take advantage of those benefits. The Phoenix Suns and Mercury have a diverse, passionate and engaged fan base in sports that will allow us to make strong connections between mortgage brokers and consumers.”
From 2021-25, the arena was known as Footprint Center. After the naming-rights deal changed in February, the organization temporarily renamed the facility “PHX Arena” as it searched for a naming-rights partner.
The arena opened in the summer of 1992, moving from Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which former Suns radio voice Al McCoy nicknamed “The Madhouse on McDowell.” In the arena’s inaugural season, Charles Barkley led the Suns to the NBA Finals, where they lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.
Since then, the arena has undergone several name changes and renovations.
Located in downtown Phoenix, the facility has a high national profile. In 2024, it hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. In 2026, the women’s NCAA Final Four will come to town. The arena also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
(Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Suns)
