The Phoenix City Council could try to vote on a deal with the Suns to renovate Talking Stick Resort Arena as early as next month, according to sources. The city could chip in as much as $150M, and the Suns would put in $80M to modernize the downtown arena, according to another source. The city also would put in $2M annually for arena maintenance after the renovations. The Suns and city of Phoenix are tight-lipped about a potential deal to renovate the arena, with the city saying discussions are confidential. The Suns declined comment. The 27-year-old arena is one of the oldest in the NBA. The city and the team have been in discussions about the arena for three years, according to city spokesperson Julie Watters. Interim Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams and city execs are looking to finalize a deal before a new mayor is elected in March. The front runner in the mayoral race, former city councilor Kate Gallego, has been skeptical of an arena deal. The team has not been interested in sharing a renovated or new arena with the Coyotes, who have been looking to move out of Gila River Arena in Glendale.
