Indianapolis – Herb Simon, chairman and owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, has been selected as a member of the 2024 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the organization announced this morning during a live broadcast on ESPN.
Simon, the longest-serving owner in NBA history, was named a finalist in February in the Contributor category, which recognizes owners and executives who have contributed to the growth of basketball in the United States and around the world. He will be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame along with Pacers legends Reggie Miller, George McGinniss, Bobby “Slick” Leonard, Roger Brown, Mel Daniels and Fever legend Tamika Catchings. .
“As the longest-serving governor in NBA history, a founding member of the WNBA, and past chairman of the NBA Board of Governors, Herb Simon has been instrumental in every significant development of the NBA and WNBA over the past 40 years,” the NBA said. Ta. Chairman Adam Silver. “While Herb has never sought to take credit for his truly influential role, it is wonderful that his consistent leadership and contributions to the world of basketball have been recognized by the Hall of Fame. is.”
Simon and his brother Melvin bought the Pacers in 1983, injecting new energy into the franchise and firmly anchoring the team in Indiana. Working with business and civic leaders, Simmons was a key player in bringing his 1985 NBA All-Star Game to Indianapolis, an event that set an All-Star attendance record that lasted until 2010. did. Meanwhile, the Pacers were one of the strongest in the NBA. Since then, he has developed a stable and consistent franchise and is one of the most recognizable brands in the league with a fan base that reaches far beyond state lines.
“Herb's genuine commitment to this franchise and our city has resulted in the kind of civic and philanthropic partnerships that are the gold standard for organizations around the NBA,” said PS&E Owner and Acting Governor Steve. Simon said.
As owner and team governor, Simon has been at the forefront of the NBA's evolution into a global brand, efforts to innovate and reach new fans, and the expansion of the game of basketball outside of the United States. PS&E joined the WNBA in her 2000 expansion fever, making her one of the league's most successful franchises, and Simon's commitment to women's basketball generally ranks her WNBA as one of the best women's professional basketball teams in the world. It helped establish itself as a basketball league.
Additionally, Simon was one of the first owners to launch the NBA 2K franchise, Pacers Gaming, when it was created in 2017-2018, capturing a new demographic and building a passion for the game. They understood the opportunity to spread the word to younger generations. In fact, PS&E is one of the few organizations that currently boasts NBA, WNBA, G League, and NBA 2K League franchises.
“Herb is always encouraging our organization and the NBA to think more deeply about opportunities to reach new fans, make an impact off the court, and grow the brand in innovative ways,” said PS&E CEO Rick Fuson. I have been urging them to do so,” he said. “He has certainly had a huge impact on the growth of the game, and has done so in his own unassuming way that deflects praise from others.”
For Indiana fans, Simon's impact goes far beyond the basketball court. For decades, he and the Simon family have been a key catalyst in Indianapolis' growth into an international hub for business, sports, entertainment, arts and culture. Simon's contributions to downtown Circle have contributed to the prosperity of his City and the shaping of the city's physical and cultural landscape, and the philanthropic investments he and the Simon family have made benefit many Indiana communities, Hoosier families, and the organizations that serve them. .
“Herb has been an exemplary NBA owner for decades and one of the NBA's most respected voices,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “He cares deeply about not only our franchise, but the future of our sport and league, and there is no one more deserving of this remarkable recognition.” It will be officially recognized on the court during halftime of the 1st NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament semifinal game between Purdue and North Carolina State. Simon and his fellow inductees will be enshrined together during a gala event in Springfield, Massachusetts, on August 16 and 17.