Robert Sarver

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What is Robert Sarver Birthday and Age?

31 October, 1961

63 Age

Robert Sarver Introduction:

Are you curious about the man behind the Phoenix Suns? Look no further than Robert Sarver. He's more than just a basketball team owner - he's a businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In this article, we'll dive deep into the life and career of Robert Sarver, exploring his successes, controversies, and everything in between.

Who is Robert Sarver?

Robert Sarver was born on March 31, 1961, in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up in a family of successful entrepreneurs, with his grandfather founding the Bank of Tucson and his father running a chain of grocery stores. Sarver attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in business administration. After graduation, he worked for his family's grocery business, eventually becoming the CEO.

In 1994, Sarver co-founded the National Bank of Arizona, which grew to become one of the largest banks in the state. He served as the bank's CEO until 2003, when he sold it to Zions Bancorporation for $900 million.

Sarver's interest in sports began in the late 1990s, when he became a minority owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2004, he purchased the Phoenix Suns for $404 million. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the NBA, serving on the league's Board of Governors and playing a role in negotiating the 2011 lockout.

Successes

Sarver's business acumen has earned him a reputation as a savvy investor. In addition to his banking and sports ventures, he has invested in real estate, technology, and other industries. He has been recognized for his achievements, including being named the Arizona Business Leader of the Year in 2002 and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management in 2018.

Under Sarver's ownership, the Phoenix Suns have had some notable successes. In the 2004-2005 season, they reached the Western Conference Finals, and in 2010, they came within two games of winning the NBA championship. Sarver has also overseen renovations to the Suns' home arena, the Talking Stick Resort Arena, and has invested in the team's training facility.

Controversies

Despite his successes, Sarver has faced criticism and controversy throughout his career. In 2007, he was fined $50,000 by the NBA for making critical comments about the referees. In 2018, he drew backlash from fans and players alike for threatening to move the Suns to Seattle or Las Vegas if the city of Phoenix did not fund a new arena.

Sarver has also faced criticism from Suns fans for the team's performance in recent years. The Suns have missed the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons, and many fans blame Sarver for the team's struggles. In 2019, a group of fans even started a petition calling for Sarver to sell the team.

Philanthropy

Despite his controversies, Sarver has also been involved in a number of philanthropic efforts. Along with his wife, Penny, he has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. In 2016, the Sarvers donated $30 million to the University of Arizona to create the Robert and Penny Sarver Heart Center. They have also supported organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Arizona Science Center, and the Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Personal Life

Sarver is married to Penny Sarver, and they have four children together. He is known for being a family man, often attending his children's sporting events and other activities. He is also an avid sports fan, with interests beyond basketball - he has been known to attend Arizona Wildcats football games and even owns a minor league soccer team, Phoenix Rising FC.

Conclusion

Robert Sarver is a complex and multi-faceted individual, with successes, controversies, and philanthropic endeavors all to his name. Whether you're a fan of the Phoenix Suns or just interested in the world of sports and business, Sarver's story is worth exploring. From his humble beginnings in Tucson to his status as a prominent figure in the NBA, Sarver's life and career provide a fascinating look at the world of entrepreneurship and sports ownership.