Nancy Leonard, Pacers Matriarch, Dies at 93

Nancy Leonard, wife of coach Bobby “Slick” Leonard and long-time matriarch of the Indiana Pacers, died peacefully in her sleep at age 93 after months of declining health, her children said. She served as the Pacers’ assistant general manager from 1976 to 1980, a pioneering front-office role for a woman in professional basketball. In 1977 she conceived and helped run the “Save the Pacers” telethon that sold thousands of season tickets and helped keep the franchise in Indianapolis during the ABA–NBA merger. Leonard was instrumental in creating the Pacers’ cheer and dance team, remained a constant courtside presence, and attended games during the Pacers’ run to the 2025 NBA Finals. Players and team leaders — including Tyrese Haliburton, who called her “The First Lady of Indiana basketball” — and owners the Simon family praised her community leadership and lasting legacy with the organization.