“PayPal is a values-based company with a strong record of fighting racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination,” said PayPal CEO and President Dan Schulman. “We have reviewed the report of the NBA’s independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values. “… In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship if Robert Sarver continues to participate in the Suns organization after serving his suspension,” Shulman said in his statement. 2 Related The company’s sponsorship deal with the Suns, which began in 2018 and also includes the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Spanish soccer team Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, all owned by Sarver, is set to expire after the 2022-23 season. Sources told ESPN the PayPal deal with the Suns was worth $3 million through the 2021-22 season. Sarver, who is serving a one-season suspension as part of the suspension announced Tuesday by the NBA, can return to the Suns for the 2023-24 season. The league said the investigation found that during his time with the Suns and Mercury, Sarver used the N-word at least five times “when recounting statements made by others.” There were also “instances of unequal treatment of female employees,” the NBA said in its statement, including “sex-related comments” and inappropriate comments about the employees’ appearance. The NBA commissioned an investigation in the wake of an ESPN story in November 2021 detailing allegations of racism and misogyny during Sarver’s 17 years as owner.
