Who is Justin Ishbia? How is Phoenix Suns' "alternate governor" related to owner Mat Ishbia: All you need to know

Justin Ishbia is one of the highly successful entrepreneur and ranks among the wealthiest individuals on earth. Justin, along with elder brother Mat Ishbia bought the Suns and WNBA's Mercury for $4b in December, 2022. Since they have produced a whirlwind of change in the Suns team.

Justin Ishbia, the elder brother who has assumed a subordinate role to Mat in the Suns ownership hierarchy, was questioned by many as what qualifies him to be an alternate governor.

Many fans were quick to point out, Mat Ishbia has plenty of experience with the game. As a walk-on in 2000, Ishbia became a national champion with the Michigan State basketball team. He then spent time learning from Tim Izzo before going to work for his dad. Although Mat serves as the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, Justin has his own firm.

Who is Mat Ishbia's brother Justin Ishbia?

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As a minority owner of United Wholesale Mortgage, Justin is also a founding partner and managing partner of Shore Capital, a self-described "microcap private equity firm focused on partnering with companies that have between $1-10 million of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization)."

(Suggested reading: What is Mat Ishbia's net worth?)

According to reports, Justin Ishbia will be a significant investor in the Suns in addition to his role as an alternate governor.

In 2021, Mat owned 70% of the company, valued at $12.6 billion, while Justin's 30% stake was worth $4 billion. Both are Michigan State alums, with Justin winning an NCAA title in 2000 and later becoming UWM's CEO.

According to Elite Street, Justin and his wife, Kristen, possess a $12.5 million mansion on Chicago's north side, a downtown condo valued at $5.57 million, and a mansion in Naples, Florida, priced at $36 million.

Reportedly, Justin and Mat played a key role in the mid-season acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets for the Suns. Subsequently, he added All-Star guard Bradley Beal to the team, heightening expectations for the Suns in the 2023-24 season.