Orlando Magic Honors Pat Williams With Jersey Patch

The Orlando Magic will honor their late co-founder, Pat Williams, by featuring a commemorative patch on their jerseys during the 2024-25 NBA season, displaying the initials 'PW' on a black stripe on the left shoulder. Williams, who passed away on July 17 at the age of 84 due to complications from viral pneumonia, was pivotal in bringing the NBA franchise to Orlando in the late 1980s. He served as the team's first general manager from its inception in 1989 until 1996 and held a significant role in shaping the sports landscape in Central Florida. His illustrious 56-year career in basketball included tenures with the 76ers, Bulls, and Hawks, and he was honored with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. The Magic's leadership praised Williams as a visionary who transformed Orlando into a vibrant sports community.