Tempe, Arizona
Home court for the Valley Suns, the Phoenix Suns' G League affiliate.
Tempe, Arizona, is the home of the Valley Suns, the NBA G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns. The Valley Suns play their home games at Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe. The team was officially created on February 14, 2024, and played its first season during the 2024–25 season. Tempe serves as the base for the Suns' G League operations, providing a venue for player development and community engagement within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Location
- Tempe, Arizona
- Key Landmark Association
- Arizona State University (Mullett Arena)
Lore & Background
Tempe's connection to the Phoenix Suns organization deepened significantly on February 14, 2024, when the Phoenix Suns announced they had acquired the right to own and operate a new G League affiliate. The team was named the Valley Suns, and their home arena was revealed on May 22, 2024, as Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University campus. The Valley Suns played their inaugural season during the 2024–25 season, with their home debut on November 11, 2024, against the Stockton Kings as part of the Tip-Off Tournament. The team finished their first regular season with a 20–14 record, earning the #5 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They won their first playoff game 131–127 against the Santa Cruz Warriors before falling 122–114 to the Stockton Kings in the conference semifinals. On July 19, 2025, head coach John Little was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, and on August 18, 2025, Paul Jesperson, a former assistant coach for the Valley Suns, was announced as the new head coach for the team's second season.
In Their Own Story
On November 11, 2024, Mullett Arena in Tempe hosted its first Valley Suns home game, a matchup against the Stockton Kings in the newly minted Tip-Off Tournament. The arena, located on the Arizona State University campus, became the center of G League basketball in the Phoenix area. Earlier that year, on February 14, the Phoenix Suns had announced their new G League affiliate, marking the first time all 30 NBA teams had G League affiliates. The Valley Suns' name, logo, and arena were revealed on May 22. The team held an expansion draft on June 13, selecting 14 unprotected returning players, including former NBA champion Quinndary Weatherspoon and former Phoenix Suns player Théo Maledon. The Valley Suns made their first trade on September 4, 2024, sending a 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Blue for guard Jaden Shackelford. The team finished the 2024–25 season with a 20–14 record, making the playoffs as the #5 seed in the Western Conference.
Reader's Guide
Tempe is the home base for the Valley Suns, the Phoenix Suns' NBA G League affiliate. The team plays its home games at Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University campus. The Valley Suns were officially created on February 14, 2024, and began play in the 2024–25 season. Their inaugural home game was on November 11, 2024, against the Stockton Kings. The team finished their first season with a 20–14 record, qualifying for the G League playoffs as the #5 seed. They won their first playoff game 131–127 against the Santa Cruz Warriors but lost in the conference semifinals 122–114 to the Stockton Kings. For the 2025–26 season, the Valley Suns have a new head coach, Paul Jesperson, who was announced on August 18, 2025, after former head coach John Little was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns on July 19, 2025.
Did You Know?
- The Valley Suns were officially created on February 14, 2024, making them the newest G League affiliate at the time.
- The Valley Suns play their home games at Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe.
- The Valley Suns' first ever trade was on September 4, 2024, sending a 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Blue for guard Jaden Shackelford.
- The Valley Suns won their first playoff game 131–127 against the Santa Cruz Warriors on the road.
- Paul Jesperson, a former assistant coach for the Valley Suns, was named head coach on August 18, 2025, after John Little left to join the Phoenix Suns coaching staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tempe's role in Phoenix Suns fandom?
Tempe serves as a vital hub where fans gather between games, acting as the energetic bridge connecting the arena experience to the broader community. Its proximity to the Footprint Center makes it a central location for organizing meetups and sustaining team spirit.
How does Arizona State University influence the Suns fanbase in Tempe?
The presence of Arizona State University fuels a unique blend of collegiate enthusiasm and professional loyalty, creating a diverse crowd that supports both Sun Devils and Suns. This academic environment helps identify future talent and cultivates new generations of dedicated supporters.
Where is Tempe located relative to the Phoenix Suns' home court?
Situated in the East Valley just adjacent to the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe lies directly next to the Footprint Center where the team plays. This close geographic link ensures that fans can easily travel from their local neighborhoods to downtown for game day.
What kind of atmosphere defines Suns gatherings in Tempe?
The city offers a sun-drenched, high-energy environment characterized by the vibrant mix of student life and community pride. This spirited setting amplifies the orange-clad wave of support, making it a lively pre-game destination.
Why is Tempe considered important for the Suns' long-term success?
Tempe anchors the fan network by fostering deep alumni ties and hosting schools that nurture future stars alongside loyal fans. By keeping this energy flowing through every generation, the city ensures the team's legacy remains strong in the East Valley.
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