Pat Williams, a Hall of Fame executive and co-founder of the Magic, has died at 84, the team announced (via Twitter).
“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” team Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins said in a joint statement. “His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve.
“Pat forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando. He shined a light on what those who called Orlando home already knew – that Central Florida was a fabulous place to live, work and play. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.”
In 1986, Williams teamed with local businessman Jimmy Hewitt in an effort to bring an NBA team to Orlando. They were approved for an expansion franchise in April of 1987, and the team played its first game in 1989.
Williams started his long NBA career as the Sixers’ business manager in 1968. He staged spectacular halftime shows that helped Philadelphia become one of the league’s most successful teams in terms of attendance.
He was offered the general manager’s role in Chicago at age 29, and his legacy with the organization includes the creation of mascot Benny the Bull. He moved on to the Hawks as general manager in 1973 and a year later became GM in Philadelphia, holding the job for 12 years and helping to build the 1983 championship roster. Williams also served as GM in Orlando until 1996, when he was promoted to senior vice president.
He announced his retirement in 2019 after a career that included more than 30 years with the Magic and more than five decades in the NBA.
“He was the best husband, father and grandfather and brother anyone could ask for — a warrior, a hero, a visionary, but most importantly, a larger-than-life follower of Jesus,” the Williams family said in a statement. “He loved a challenge, and when he moved our family to Orlando to start the Magic, he was full of excitement and energy that he displayed every day. We all grew up believing that anything is possible because of his unwavering enthusiasm for what he was passionate about.”
Our condolences go out to Pat’s family and friends.
Rip. I will say I had an alarmed initial reaction as a bulls fan
this should be tagged in the bulls feed also tbh, without him the bulls probably would not have survived as a franchise, terriffic promoter
Pat williams, a life well lived.
He did wonderful, wonderful work with adoption. Last we forget he was truly an inspiration and so many ways not just a talented GM.