NBA

Billy Joe “Red” McCombs (95) Passed Away On Sunday, Former Owner Of The Spurs And Nuggets

Red McCombs pic

The San Antonio Spurs may not be having a successful season in 2022-23, but the team has a rich history of winning in the past. Founded in the 1973-74 season, Billy Joe “Red” McCombs owned the team and was an integral piece in getting the team merged into the NBA from the ABA. McCombs also owned the Denver Nuggets before he would go back and buy the Spurs once again. On Sunday, ninety-five year old Red McCombs passed away and he was a visionary for the game of basketball. 

He owned more than 400 businesses in his lifetime and was a driving force behind the creation of the NBA as we know it today. Not only did he twice own the Spurs and the Denver Nuggets, but he also owned the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings franchise as well.

McCombs was a driving force in the creation and success of the San Antonio Spurs and the franchise cannot repay him for all he did in his time. NBA betting sites have the Spurs at (+150000) to win the Finals this season.

Former Spurs and Nuggets owner Red McCombs passed away at the age of 95

He helped the Spurs franchise integrate into the NBA back in the 1976 season as a part of the NBA-ABA merger. McCombs grew up in a town called Spur, Texas and that’s where San Antonio gets their name from. The team flourished with the help of George Gervin and McCombs then sold his share of the Spurs to buy the Nuggets back in 1982.

He then sold his share of Denver back in 1985 and re-bought his share of the Spurs in 1986 before buying the team outright in 1988. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued this statement on behalf of the league after hearing about McCombs passing away.

““Red McCombs brought the Spurs to San Antonio and 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.” – Adam Silver

McCombs is survived by daughters Lynda McCombs, Marsha Shields and Connie McNab, as well as eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.