Arizona鈥檚 global economic profile soared in 2025 as the state posted record-breaking international trade and foreign direct investment figures, underscoring its emergence as a leading U.S. hub for advanced industries and global commerce.

According to from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the state鈥檚 exports and imports expanded significantly, with strong gains across high-tech sectors and an especially notable rise in trade with Taiwan.

Arizona companies exported $44.4 billion in goods in 2025 鈥� a 37 % increase over the prior year and among the fastest export growth rates in the nation 鈥� far outpacing the U.S. average. The state also saw massive increases in imports and international investment, creating thousands of new jobs statewide.

Key highlights include Arizona鈥檚 top rankings in several advanced export categories:

• #1 in Metal Ores ($2.7 B, +19.9 %)
• #3 in Computer Equipment ($9 B, +205 %)
• #5 in Semiconductors & Electronic Components ($6.3 B, +84 %)
• #8 in Medical & Control Instruments ($2.4 B, +14 %)
• #10 in Aerospace Parts ($5.6 B, +4.3 %)

These gains reflect Arizona鈥檚 continued strength in manufacturing, technology, and innovation, all sectors that are driving the state鈥檚 global export footprint.

鈥淎rizona has emerged on the world stage as a global economic powerhouse, leading to more family-sustaining jobs and generational opportunity for Arizonans,鈥� said Governor Katie Hobbs. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud that Arizona is setting the pace for innovation and technological progress and proving what鈥檚 possible when we lead boldly.鈥�

Taiwan鈥檚 rapid climb on Arizona鈥檚 trade chart

One of the most striking developments in the new data is the surge in economic exchange with Taiwan. In 2025, Taiwan surpassed both Canada and China to become Arizona鈥檚 second-largest trading partner behind Mexico, with total trade exceeding $21.2 billion.

This remarkable rise marks a major shift in Arizona鈥檚 global trade relationships and underscores the deepening economic ties between the state and one of the world鈥檚 most important technology and manufacturing economies. Led by key components and advanced technologies, Arizona鈥檚 imports from Taiwan rose sharply, while exports also expanded meaningfully.

The upswing with Taiwan reflects successful international trade missions, enhanced business partnerships, and increased cross-border investment activity. Earlier efforts by state leaders to promote Arizona鈥檚 workforce, innovation ecosystem, and business climate abroad have helped elevate the state鈥檚 global competitiveness, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and computing. The growing collaboration also mirrors broader geopolitical trade developments boosting tech-focused cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan.

X站福利所and Business Leaders Weigh In

Business and civic leaders highlighted the significance of these gains for Arizona鈥檚 long-term economic prospects. Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry, emphasized the role of sound public policy and a stable business climate in fueling trade growth.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 growth in global trade didn鈥檛 happen by accident. It reflects years of smart policy, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and a business climate that gives companies the confidence to invest, hire, and expand here,鈥� Seiden said. 鈥淭hese record trade gains underscore why a competitive, predictable environment matters.鈥�

Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, noted that the state鈥檚 strategic emphasis on international engagement is paying dividends across industries, driving job creation and innovation opportunities for communities statewide.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 global prominence has never been greater,鈥� Watson said. 鈥淥ur record-setting trade and investment reflect a bold strategy and strategic partnerships, leading to more jobs, innovation, and opportunity for communities across our state.鈥� 

Arizona鈥檚 global economic outlook

With more than $195 billion in foreign direct investment announced since 2020 and a robust pipeline of projects from international partners including Taiwan and Japan, Arizona鈥檚 role on the global economic stage continues to strengthen. The state attracted 55 new foreign investment projects in 2025 alone, projected to generate more than 25,000 new jobs.

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The Phoenix Suns are more than a hometown favorite 鈥� they are a global sensation. Last month, the Suns took a historic trip to Macao for two preseason matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, a major milestone in the franchise鈥檚 long-term strategy to expand its footprint across Asia and strengthen the global presence of Arizona鈥檚 original professional sports franchise. 

The trip, as part of the 2025 NBA China Games, was two years in the making. The effort included six international trips involving Suns players, staff, and听alumni听and more than听750,000 miles听traveled as the organization worked to build relationships, host community events, and deepen ties with fans throughout the region.听听

Nearly 200 people traveled with the Suns delegation to Macao this fall, including team personnel and more than 50 corporate partners representing major organizations such as Annexus, Banner Health, Bell Bank, Fry鈥檚 Food Stores, KIA, Mountain America Credit Union, Southern Glazer鈥檚 Wine & Spirits, Ticketmaster, and others. 

Positioning Arizona鈥檚 NBA franchise on the global stage 

For the Suns, the Macao games were a critical part of the organization鈥檚 vision to elevate the franchise into a premier global sports brand that reflects both the competitiveness of the NBA and the economic dynamism of Arizona. Asia represents one of the world鈥檚 most passionate and fast-growing basketball markets, and the Suns鈥� multi-year investment in the region aims to forge a durable, strategic relationship with new fans and corporate partners alike. 

The reception in Macao underscored the impact of that work. Suns-branded events drew crowds of thousands, local celebrities engaged in team activations, and the franchise rolled out exclusive merchandise collaborations that blended basketball culture with local fashion and music. Suns players also served as ambassadors off the court, participating in youth clinics and meet-and-greets that emphasized the community-driven ethos the team hopes will resonate globally. 

A full slate of activities 

In Macao, the Suns executed a full slate of fan engagements and community initiatives designed to strengthen the team鈥檚 identity abroad and serve as a case study in how professional sports franchises can create international value. 

The trip featured events including a Special Olympics clinic led by Devin Booker, who ran drills with local athletes and surprised participants with pairs of his signature Book 1 sneakers.  At NBA House, more than 7,500 fans visited the 鈥淪uns Up鈥� activation, enjoying gaming lounges, giveaways, autograph sessions, and meet-and-greets with players Jalen Green and Ryan Dunn. The team also hosted a four-day Suns Pop-Up in historic Macao, offering an NBA 2K lounge, jersey displays, exclusive merchandise created with Mitchell & Ness and Chinese rapper MaSiwei鈥檚 brand A Few Good Kids, and appearances from MaSiwei, designer Jeff Hamilton, Suns alumni Rex Chapman and Shawn Marion, and current Suns players Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. 

A win for Arizona鈥檚 sports economy 

The Suns鈥� international efforts align with Arizona鈥檚 broader economic strategy to strengthen its global reach, build international partnerships, and elevate the state鈥檚 visibility as a hub for sports, tourism, and business.  

For example, Sky Harbor International Airport will soon feature nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix on Starlux Airlines and China Airlines, adding to the airport鈥檚 international nonstop destinations in Europe, Canada, and Mexico.  

For corporate partners, the Macao games served as a rare platform to engage with international consumers, deepen brand exposure, and explore cross-border business relationships in one of the world鈥檚 most dynamic markets. 

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Arizona鈥檚 hospitality industry is essential to the state鈥檚 global identity. Tourism $4.3 billion in tax revenue for Arizona in 2024 and supports more than 300,000 jobs statewide. From world-class resorts to iconic sporting events, this sector is Arizona鈥檚 top export-oriented industry, fueling of Arizona鈥檚 gross domestic product in 2024 and stimulating communities across the state.

A new era of hospitality and tourism is coming fast, and Arizona must prepare for what鈥檚 next.

Workforce readiness will be critical. Between now and 2036, nearly 6,000 new hospitality and entertainment jobs. These roles demand a versatile blend of skills, combining emotional intelligence, technology integration, data-driven decision making and sustainability stewardship to deliver memorable experiences and great guest satisfaction. Tomorrow鈥檚 hospitality landscape demands a human touch that transforms experiences into lifelong memories.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping guest experiences, from automated check-ins to personalized itineraries. By 2030, hotels expect to operate with significantly leaner human staffing, a shift that underscores the urgency of preparing workers for AI-enhanced roles.

The stakes are high because hospitality isn鈥檛 just an economic engine, it鈥檚 a promise to every visitor that Arizona is an exceptional destination delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that will stay with visitors for a lifetime.

The rapid changes to this industry are why the Arizona Board of Regents, in partnership with the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, have convened CEOs and leaders from hospitality, tourism and the sporting events industry to answer a critical question: What skills will define success in the next decade? These conversations are already shaping how Arizona鈥檚 public universities 鈥� Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona 鈥� prepare students for careers that will keep our state competitive.

础厂鲍鈥檚 program equips future leaders with expertise in resort operations and advanced AI integration. NAU鈥檚 ranks among the nation鈥檚 best, attracting global recruiters to its graduates. The U of A鈥檚 Eller College of Management delivers world-class training in business analytics, sports tourism and event management, and offers a ensuring students are ready to innovate and excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

The responsiveness of our universities is essential, but this challenge cannot be met alone. That鈥檚 why Arizona鈥檚 public universities and AZLTA will work together to expand internships, apprenticeships and career pathways that connect talent to opportunity. This collaboration is already underway, informed by direct input from industry leaders, and we invite every stakeholder to join us in continuing to build a workforce that keeps the world wanting to visit Arizona again and again.

If your business intersects with hospitality and tourism, we invite you to engage with us at ABOR and the AZLTA. Share your insights and join us as we invest in the future of Arizona鈥檚 workforce.   

Chad Sampson is the Executive Director of the . Kim Grace Sabow is the President and CEO of the .

Photo courtesy Creative Commons .

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With Congress missing the midnight deadline to fund the federal government, leaders from across the business community are warning of the significant economic consequences a shutdown would have on employers, workers, and families. From delayed contracts to shuttered national parks, industry groups say the disruption would ripple through Arizona鈥檚 economy and beyond.

Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry: 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economy thrives on stability鈥�

The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry is urging swift congressional action to pass a continuing resolution and keep the government open.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economy thrives on stability,鈥� said X站福利所President and CEO Danny Seiden. 鈥淧rolonged debates that put government operations at risk create ripple effects of uncertainty for employers, workers, and investors alike. The effects of that uncertainty would extend across our economy, delaying critical government contracts and ultimately threatening both Arizona’s industries and the nation鈥檚 economic security. We urge Congress to act swiftly to avoid self-inflicted setbacks that weaken America鈥檚 competitiveness at home and abroad.鈥�

Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association: National parks at risk

The Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association warned that a shutdown would deal a devastating blow to Arizona鈥檚 tourism economy, particularly if it forced the closure of national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Park.

鈥淔amilies, student groups, and international travelers plan their trips around access to our national parks,鈥� said AzLTA President and CEO Kim Grace Sabow. 鈥淚f visitors are turned away, the economic ripple effects will extend far beyond park boundaries, hurting hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses. Arizona thrives because of tourism, and keeping our parks open is essential to safeguarding the jobs and economic vitality that so many Arizonans depend on.鈥�

Tourism is one of Arizona鈥檚 largest industries, supporting nearly 300,000 jobs and generating more than $33 billion annually. The Grand Canyon alone drew nearly 5 million visitors in 2024, supporting more than 8,700 jobs and generating over $1 billion in positive economic activity.

National Association of Manufacturers: Certainty needed for growth

In Washington, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) emphasized the critical role a functioning government plays in supporting industrial growth.

鈥淎 functioning government is essential for a strong manufacturing economy,鈥� said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. 鈥淢anufacturers need certainty, not disruption. Our leaders in Washington must come together and keep the government open, so it continues working for the American people. From supply chains and permitting to regulatory certainty, product approvals and facility inspections, manufacturers rely on the government to do its job and provide the stability that drives growth.鈥�

U.S. X站福利所of Commerce: 鈥淪hutdowns are harmful to the economy鈥�

The U.S. X站福利所of Commerce also issued a warning, noting that shutdowns affect more than just government employees.

鈥淕overnment shutdowns are harmful to the economy, our national security, and the American people, often in ways that are not immediately obvious,鈥� said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber. 鈥淔rom passports and permits to clinical trials and air travel, a well-functioning economy requires a functioning government. The X站福利所calls on Congress and the Administration to work together to pass legislation to avert a federal government shutdown.鈥�

Photo courtesy Flickr user reivax, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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Maricopa County Chairman Thomas Galvin announced this week that Andrea Doan, longtime Arizona resident and NHL advocate, has been named chairperson of the Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey in Arizona, a coalition of leaders committed to restoring an NHL franchise to the state.

Doan, who has lived in the Valley since 1997, has been a leader in Arizona鈥檚 hockey community for more than 20 years. Alongside her husband, Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, she has championed youth hockey and community engagement, worked that earned the couple the Pat Tillman Service Award for their dedication to service.

鈥淎rizona means a lot to me and my family, and the hockey community in this incredible state is committed to bringing the NHL back to the desert,鈥� Doan said. 鈥淚 am honored to serve as the chair of this advisory panel and look forward to working with my colleagues and fellow community leaders in Arizona on this important effort.鈥�

Galvin, who in January confirmed preliminary conversations with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and other stakeholders, praised Doan鈥檚 leadership and network of connections to the sport.

鈥淚 am honored to have Andrea Doan join me in this effort to bring the NHL back to Arizona,鈥� he said. 鈥淎ndrea has dedicated much of her personal life to our community and building support for Arizona hockey. Her knowledge of the industry and connections to Arizona and the NHL are instrumental to our mission. As the fifth largest metropolitan area in the nation, we are well positioned with the fanbase, infrastructure, and local support to get the NHL back.鈥�

The Advisory Panel will feature leaders from business, sports, and civic life, with additional members to be announced in the coming weeks.

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry, emphasized that Arizona鈥檚 business leaders are enthusiastic partners in this effort.

鈥淧rofessional hockey is part of Arizona鈥檚 identity as a major-league market, and it strengthens our economy, enhances our quality of life, and brings people together,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 believe the business community will rally behind this effort, helping ensure that when the NHL returns to Arizona, the team and the sport will thrive here for generations to come.鈥�

Lyndsey Fry, Arizona native, 2024 Olympic Women鈥檚 Ice Hockey team member, and co-founder of the Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation, said she stands ready to help.

鈥淔rom youth hockey leagues in Arizona to representing the U.S.A. in the Olympics to developing aspiring athletes, I have seen firsthand how this sport brings our community together,鈥� Fry said. 鈥淧rofessional sports such as the NHL are a key community ally in the development of youth and amateur sports in the state. I stand ready to work with Andrea Doan, Tom Galvin, and our large community of hockey supporters to get the NHL back to this incredible state.鈥�

Community members are encouraged to 鈥淭ake the Pledge鈥� to grow hockey in Arizona and learn more about the effort at .

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A recent headline in Politico asks, 鈥溾�� It鈥檚 a good question. The article charts the march of labor union Unite Here Local 11 through the city鈥檚 policymaking apparatus and the bruising fights the union has picked with the city鈥檚 job creators, especially those in the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, some members of the city council express occasional concern about the damage that鈥檚 been done to the city鈥檚 reputation and whether it will be able to host a Super Bowl, World Cup, and Summer Olympic Games in successive years, but not enough, apparently, to do anything to broker a lasting truce between the union and the private businesses that are now looking for more welcoming environments.

Instead of disputes being settled at the negotiating table with the help of elected officials, the voting booth is increasingly where Big Labor and job creators square off.

We鈥檙e fortunate that in Arizona we don鈥檛 have city governments that are as openly hostile to job creation and a competitive business environment as L.A.

Not yet, anyway. We can鈥檛 get too comfortable.

That鈥檚 because Unite Here Local 11鈥檚 territory not only includes Southern California, but Arizona, too. The union is growing its presence here, organizing job-killing ballot measures, targeting specific businesses, throwing up roadblocks to development, and backing candidates for city council positions.

In Glendale, the union was the driving force behind Proposition 499 in 2024, a measure that would have burdened the city鈥檚 hospitality sector and taxpayers with costly new mandates. A year later, the union was back at it again, organizing Propositions 401 and 402, which attempted to block the development of a critical phase of what is slated to be the state鈥檚 largest resort, employing more than 2,000 Arizonans. In each case, the business community rallied to stop the union.

The pattern has been clear: if you鈥檙e a business that dares to succeed, you鈥檙e a target. Take Scottsdale, where Unite Here operatives helped circulate the petitions aimed at freezing the new Axon corporate headquarters development, an investment promising thousands of high-paying jobs. Stopping job creators in their tracks seems to be part of the union鈥檚 playbook. Like it did in Glendale, the business community came together to stand up for Scottsdale jobs. So did a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs.

The union isn鈥檛 content to restrict its influence to ballot measures and development fights. Unite Here is increasingly active in Arizona municipal politics, lining up behind city council candidates in , , and who share their agenda. Their candidates may speak in platitudes about fairness and equity, but what they really offer is a city government more hostile to employers, less friendly to entrepreneurs, and far more willing to use public policy as a cudgel against job creation.

We鈥檙e also seeing a similar playbook from other California-based unions. The Service Employees International Union a ballot initiative to cap the salaries of Arizona hospital executives, regardless of the size or complexity of the health system they lead, never mind that the proposal tramples any semblance of the right to contract.

Supporters may say the measure is about fairness, but it would just make it harder to recruit and retain the kind of medical leadership our state needs to ensure access to lifesaving care. It鈥檚 obvious that this isn鈥檛 about strengthening health care in Arizona; it鈥檚 about importing California鈥檚 labor fights to our ballot.

Arizona can鈥檛 afford to import Los Angeles-style dysfunction. We鈥檝e built a reputation as a state where job creators are welcomed, where investment is encouraged, and where opportunity is still available for those willing to work hard and take risks. That reputation is one of our greatest competitive advantages, but it won鈥檛 endure if we ignore the encroachment of those who would rather grind our economy to a halt in service of their narrow political agenda.

Arizona鈥檚 job creators are resilient, but they need policymakers at all levels of government to stand firm and defend our pro-jobs environment, and call out efforts, no matter how cleverly disguised, that would weaken it.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry.

鈥�
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The Arizona House of Representatives on Monday passed House Bill 2704, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at modernizing Chase Field, home of Major League Baseball鈥檚 Arizona Diamondbacks, while ensuring the team remains a fixture in downtown Phoenix.

What the bill does

• Establishes a funding mechanism by redirecting sales taxes generated from concessions, merchandise, and other stadium transactions to a dedicated stadium improvement fund over the next 30 years.
  
• Recaptures income taxes from select Diamondbacks employees into the same improvement fund.
  
• Caps public investment at approximately $500 million, tied to annual inflation adjustments, to finance essential infrastructure upgrades鈥攕uch as HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, retractable roof, and scoreboard enhancements.
  
• Includes a $250 million private investment commitment from the Diamondbacks, with provisions for annual reporting on how project funds are spent and what improvements are made.
  
• Imposes penalties if the team vacates Chase Field early.

Business community voices support

鈥淗B鈥�2704 delivers a smart, sustainable funding model that upgrades a key public asset without raising taxes鈥攁nd more importantly, it gives Arizona the certainty that the Diamondbacks will stay downtown for decades to come,鈥� said Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been clear: this legislation aligns taxpayer interests, business growth and community pride.鈥�

In addition to the Arizona Chamber, the bill was supported by a broad coalition, including labor groups representing professional trades:

• Arizona Beer & Wine Distributors
• Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association
• Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council
• Boilermakers Local 627
• Carpenters Union Local 1912
• Chandler X站福利所of Commerce
• East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance
• Foundation for Blind Children
• Gilbert X站福利所of Commerce
• Greater Phoenix X站福利所of Commerce
• Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc.
• IBEW Local Union 640
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Workers Local 359
• Ironworkers Local 75
• Laborers International Union of North America Local 1184
• Phoenix Community Alliance
• Phoenix Raceway
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
• United Dairymen of Arizona
• Valley Partnership
• Visit Phoenix
• West Valley X站福利所of Commerce Alliance

Why it matters

Chase Field opened in 1998 and has never undergone a major renovation, and the aging infrastructure threatens its long term viability. The Diamondbacks have already spent millions on improvements such as a new roof and LED lighting, but a full-scale modernization requires public-private partnership through HB鈥�2704.

Beyond infrastructure, the legislation ensures significant economic and community benefits: an estimated $5.4 billion in GDP generated over the team鈥檚 tenure, continued support for surrounding businesses and downtown tourism, and preserved charitable contributions that exceed $90 million.

Gov. Hobbs ready to sign

With the bill headed to her desk, Gov. Katie Hobbs praised the Legislature鈥檚 passage of the bill, describing the House vote as a 鈥渉uge win鈥� that protects jobs and bolsters Arizona鈥檚 economic vitality.

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Air France is increasing the number of nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to five times weekly starting in May, an expansion expected to significantly benefit Arizona鈥檚 economy.

According to Phoenix Sky Harbor鈥檚 most recent economic impact study, international flights contribute more than $3 billion to the state鈥檚 economy each year. 

The nonstop Phoenix鈥揚aris service, which launched in May 2024 with three weekly flights, was projected to generate $70 million in annual economic impact. With the increased frequency and a larger aircraft now in operation, that number is estimated to rise to $103 million annually.

鈥淪ince the launch of their Paris service just under a year ago, Air France has almost doubled the capacity of the Phoenix-Paris route,鈥� Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. 鈥淭he airline has been a fantastic addition to our airport, and we are grateful for their partnership and commitment to growing this route. With the announced capacity increase, this nonstop flight alone is estimated to have an estimated $103 million annual statewide economic impact, benefitting all of Arizona.鈥�

The route鈥檚 May 2024 launch marked the first-ever nonstop air service between Phoenix and France. Initially operated three times a week using a Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner with 279 seats, the service now uses the more spacious Airbus A350-900. The upgraded aircraft includes 324 seats and an expanded business class with 34 seats, offering passengers more comfort and flexibility.

The increase to five weekly flights gives travelers more choices and enhances competition on fares, not only to France but to the more than 190 destinations Air France serves beyond Paris. The expanded service complements Phoenix鈥檚 existing transatlantic routes to London Heathrow, operated by both American Airlines and British Airways.

鈥淎ir France is very pleased with the Phoenix-Paris route and we are excited the frequency is increasing,鈥� said Boaz Hulsman, vice president of commercial, North America at Air France-KLM. 鈥淭his capacity increase symbolizes our commitment to enhancing the transatlantic travel connection. We look forward to soon providing more passengers from Phoenix with an experience embodying the best of French elegance.鈥�

In addition to international connectivity, the enhanced Air France schedule supports domestic travel through its codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, enabling seamless U.S. connections. Travelers can also access broader European and global destinations through KLM, another Air France partner.

Sky Harbor, known as America鈥檚 Friendliest Airport, currently offers nonstop service to over 140 destinations worldwide. The increased service to Paris underscores Phoenix鈥檚 growing role as a hub for international commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange.

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ESPN hot take veteran Mat Ishbia is on the verge of being the 鈥渨orst owner in NBA history.鈥� 

Here in Arizona, we see something different: an owner who鈥檚 invested more in his teams, his players, and his city in two years than most do in a lifetime. 

Let鈥檚 be clear: the Suns didn鈥檛 fall apart overnight, and no one鈥檚 above criticism 鈥� not even Mat. But to call him an 鈥渁trocity鈥� of an owner? That鈥檚 a bad take even by Stephen A.鈥檚 standards. And it completely ignores the reality. 

Since purchasing the Suns and Mercury for a record $4 billion, Ishbia has: 

路 Poured $100 million into a new, state-of-the-art practice facility for the Mercury 鈥� finally giving a championship-caliber WNBA team the dedicated resources and recognition it deserves

路 Paid record-setting luxury taxes to field a competitive roster 鈥� not exactly the move of someone pinching pennies

路 Rolled out fan-first perks like a $2 value menu to improve the game-day experience and keep outings accessible for Arizona families

路 Launched the 鈥淩ise Together鈥� campaign, pledging $10 million in community benefits for Phoenix nonprofits and youth programs

And then there鈥檚 the broadcast deal 鈥� a move that speaks volumes about Ishbia鈥檚 priorities. Last year, he tore up the old cable-based model and struck a new partnership with Gray Television, allowing every Suns and Mercury game to be broadcast for free, over the air, across Arizona. In an era when most franchises are making it harder and more expensive for fans to watch their teams, Ishbia made it easier. 

That鈥檚 not someone running a vanity project. That鈥檚 someone building something to last. 

Is the team exactly where fans want it to be today? No. But great organizations 鈥� in business or in sports 鈥� aren鈥檛 defined by how quickly they win, but by how sustainably they grow. Ishbia is playing the long game. 

Any business leader will tell you: transforming culture, modernizing operations, and laying the foundation for sustained success isn鈥檛 a one-season fix. It takes bold decisions, real investment, and the willingness to take some hits along the way. 

And let鈥檚 be honest 鈥� if Stephen A. Smith ever dipped his toes into actual leadership, political or otherwise, he might quickly find that standing on the sidelines is a lot easier than being in the arena. 

This isn鈥檛 just about basketball. It鈥檚 about the kind of leadership Arizona needs: people who show up, invest locally, empower talent, and build up the institutions that anchor our communities. 

Mat Ishbia isn鈥檛 just cutting checks 鈥� he鈥檚 creating infrastructure, opportunity, and culture that extends far beyond the court. He鈥檚 elevating teams, backing local nonprofits, and finding new ways to make Phoenix a city where fans, families, and future talent want to be. 

We support Mat because he supports Arizona. He鈥檚 making the kind of long-term, community-rooted investments that reflect the kind of leadership we should want more of 鈥� on the court and off. 

That鈥檚 not just good ownership. That鈥檚 good business. 

Someone should tell Stephen A: It鈥檚 a lot harder to build a team than to dunk on one from a TV studio.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry

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Small businesses in downtown Phoenix are supporting the passage of HB 2704, a bill to establish a financing mechanism for needed repairs at Chase Field and to ensure that the Diamondbacks remain downtown for decades to come, all without raising taxes. Area restaurants, bars, and other businesses in the downtown area garner a large share of their customers from the crowds coming from Diamondbacks games. 

The state Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler) is set to take up the bill, introduced by Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) March 24. Mesnard and Weninger represent the same Chandler-based district. 

The bill, which was also assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee, has already passed the Arizona House with bipartisan support.

At its core, HB 2704 will ensure that Chase Field remains a vibrant centerpiece of downtown Phoenix while directly benefiting the many businesses, restaurants, and hotels that depend on the foot traffic generated by the stadium鈥檚 events.

What small businesses are saying

Teddy Myers, founder of Pretty Decent Concepts, says the Diamondbacks鈥� presence downtown is essential to the success of his restaurants. 

鈥淗aving the Diamondbacks in Chase Field downtown is crucial to the downtown small business community. Without them I don鈥檛 know that any of us would exist,鈥� Myers said. 鈥淲e support house bill 2704 so that small businesses like mine will continue to thrive and grow in downtown Phoenix.鈥�

Eric Stoltz, owner of Willie’s Taco Joint, urged the passage of the bill, citing the DBacks as a vital part of Phoenix’s downtown economy.

鈥淎s the DBacks go, Willie鈥檚 goes. We need them down here. We need to have them in Phoenix,鈥� Stoltz said. 鈥淲ithout those 81 games that we get from them it would be very difficult. So, we urge policymakers to pass bill 2704 to keep our DBacks in downtown Phoenix where they originated.鈥�

Supporting local businesses and charities

The impact of Chase Field extends far beyond baseball. Downtown Phoenix small businesses rely heavily on the crowds drawn by Diamondbacks games, concerts, and other special events at the stadium. The downtown ballpark has generated $5.4 billion in GDP for Arizona over the past 25 years.

Chase Field is a key driver of tourism and economic growth, one of the reasons the bill is supported by business groups like the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association. A thriving, modern stadium keeps visitors coming, which supports local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. HB 2704 will ensure that Phoenix remains a premier destination for events and tourism.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are an integral part of Arizona鈥檚 business ecosystem, contributing not only to economic growth but also to charitable efforts throughout the state. Since 1998, the team has donated nearly $100 million to charitable causes statewide, underscoring their role as a key community partner, including for groups like the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

What the bill does 

HB 2704 allows the Diamondbacks to recapture the sales tax revenue generated within Chase Field, including taxes from concessions, merchandise, and other in-stadium purchases. Additionally, income taxes paid by Diamondbacks employees and their spouses (for couples filing jointly) will be redirected into the same fund. This approach creates a steady, reliable funding stream to cover necessary repairs and upgrades to the ballpark, without increasing taxes or pulling from Arizona鈥檚 general fund.

Chase Field, originally opened in 1998, is now over 25 years old. Essential improvements鈥攊ncluding updates to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems鈥攁re needed to keep the stadium competitive with modern sports venues and to continue attracting visitors, concerts, and major sporting events.

No new taxes 

Critically, HB 2704 does not create new taxes. Instead, it reinvests existing tax revenue already being generated at Chase Field and by the Diamondbacks organization. A similar mechanism has successfully supported State Farm Stadium in Glendale, home to the Arizona Cardinals and countless major events.

Advocates say the bill is a practical, taxpayer-friendly solution to keep a vital economic engine thriving while avoiding any new financial burdens on Arizona residents.

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