Former San Antonio Spurs owner Red McCombs died on Sunday at the age of 95, his family announced on Monday.
“Red was a visionary entrepreneur who touched many lives and impacted our community in immeasurable ways. But to us he was always, first and foremost, ‘Dad’ or ‘Poppop.’ We mourn the loss of a Texas icon,” his family said in a statement.
McCombs was involved in multiple businesses during his life and was especially prominent in the sports world. He owned the Spurs, Nuggets and Minnesota Vikings at times during his life, bringing the Spurs from the ABA to the NBA.
McCombs bought the ABA’s Dallas Chaparrals and relocated them to San Antonio for the 1973-74 season, where they played as the Spurs. They became part of the ABA/NBA merger in 1976. He later sold his share in the Spurs to purchase the Denver Nuggets, whom he owned until selling them in 1985.
McCombs later re-bought a share of the Spurs and by 1988, he had bought out the team’s other owners. McCombs again sold the Spurs in 1993. He also bought the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 but sold them to the Wilf family in 2005.
McCombs was a major booster for the Texas Longhorns athletics who flexed his muscle with statements and opinions shared over the years. The University of Texas at Austin business school is named after him, as is the school’s softball field and the football stadium’s end zone facility.
McCombs received numerous tributes, including some from people who contextualized his role in making the Spurs what they are.
Adam Silver: “Red McCombs…was a driving force in creating the modern NBA. He was an innovator and savvy entrepreneur who never shied away from taking risks. We mourn Red’s passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and the Spurs organization."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 21, 2023
R.I.P. Red McCombs. He was a legendary figure in San Antonio, and had a huge impact in my life. We will miss you!
— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) February 20, 2023
The #Vikings are saddened by the passing of former team owner Red McCombs. pic.twitter.com/GciunVy68C
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 20, 2023
Saddened to hear that Red McCombs has passed away. He was a giant of a man and a dear friend. My life is so much better for having known him and he will definitely be missed. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. 🙏💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/mdePMt06A0
— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) February 20, 2023
Red and Angelo Drossos "bulldozed" their way into the NBA during the 1976 merger meetings. His word. He would not take no for an answer, other wise the Spurs may have gone the way of the Spirits of St. Louis or the Kentucky Colonels. The Spurs are the Spurs because of Red McCombs
— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) February 20, 2023
