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1h ago

Pacers Matriarch Nancy Leonard Dies at 93

Her behind-the-scenes leadership during the ABA-to-NBA transition included the 1977 ticket telethon credited with preserving the franchise.

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Overview

  • Her family confirmed her death in a statement, calling her the Pacers' No. 1 fan.
  • Nancy Leonard served as Indiana’s assistant general manager from 1976 to 1980 and handled key administrative duties while Bobby Leonard coached.
  • She proposed and helped organize a 1977 season-ticket telethon that is widely credited with averting the team’s financial collapse.
  • The family noted her recent health decline but said she still insisted on attending Pacers games during the 2025 Finals run.
  • Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton honored her on X, calling her “The First Lady of Indiana basketball” and saying there is no Pacers basketball without her.