The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced a 10-year, nearly $115 million naming-rights partnership to rename the downtown Phoenix arena as the Mortgage Matchup Center. The company’s press release calls the deal “one of the largest in the NBA and WNBA,” for establishing UWM’s consumer-facing brand Mortgage Matchup as the official mortgage partner of both Phoenix teams and the Valley Suns.
The venue hosts more than 100 sporting and entertainment events per year, including home games for the Suns and Mercury, welcoming more than two million guests annually.
“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,” said UWM President and CEO Mat Ishbia. “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.”
Beyond naming rights, Mortgage Matchup becomes the official mortgage partner of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns. The parties plan to raise awareness around the benefits of partnering with a mortgage broker and make it easier for fans to access home purchase and refinance resources.
Mortgage Matchup offers consumers and real estate agents educational material and a searchable database of local independent mortgage brokers. It also remains the official mortgage partner of the NBA and WNBA, as previously announced in May 2024.
“Our arena hosts more than basketball games and entertainment events — it represents a sense of belonging, community, and moments fans carry with them forever,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein. “That’s exactly why Mortgage Matchup is the perfect partner. Just as they help families achieve the dream of homeownership through local community-focused mortgage brokers, together we’ll create a home for unforgettable memories at Mortgage Matchup Center.”
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said: “I am excited to welcome Mortgage Matchup as a partner in our downtown’s incredible arena community. With this announcement, Phoenix strengthens its standing as a premier destination for major events and world-class sports and entertainment.”
The release also highlights recent fan-experience upgrades tied to Ishbia, including free over-the-air broadcasts of Suns and Mercury games and hosting the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four, and the 2027 NBA All-Star Game. Ishbia introduced fan-first initiatives including: a $2 value menu, OVG Hospitality’s culinary offerings, new bowl lighting, and videoboards. He also introduced premium experiences such as the FanDuel Lounge (for season ticket members only), the suite-level M Club by BMW, and the unprecedented partnership with Major Food Group to open The Ra Ra Room.
