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Nancy Leonard, the 'First Lady of Indiana Basketball,' Dies at 93
Nancy Leonard organized a 1977 telethon that saved the Indiana Pacers from folding and served as assistant general manager in the late 1970s, shaping the franchise's legacy.
- Nancy Leonard, recognized as the Indiana Pacers' matriarch and who worked in a management role with the team alongside her husband from 1976 until 1980, passed away at the age of 93 on September 24, 2025.
- She jointly worked with her husband, Bobby "Slick" Leonard, during the Pacers' transition from the ABA to NBA in 1976 and helped lead a crucial 1977 telethon to save the franchise.
- Nancy continued to support the team throughout her life, attending games during the Pacers' 2025 NBA Finals run despite months of declining health.
- Tyrese Haliburton, a player for the Pacers, honored Nancy Leonard by referring to her as Indiana basketball’s "First Lady" and emphasized that the team's history would not be the same without her significant impact.
- Her passing prompted heartfelt condolences and statements noting her lasting legacy and influence on the Pacers' history and community support.
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Associated Press News+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
Nancy Leonard, beloved leader of Pacers franchise who helped save it from financial ruin, dies at 93
Nancy Leonard, a beloved leader of the Indiana Pacers franchise who helped save it from financial ruin during its ABA-NBA transition, has died at 93.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources45
Leaning Left18Leaning Right3Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 45%
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