Nancy Leonard, Pacers Matriarch and Basketball Legend, Passes Away

A sad piece of news shakes the basketball world. Nancy Leonard, wife of former Indiana Pacers coach and general manager Bobby “Slick” Leonard, and considered the team’s matriarch, has passed away at the age of 93. The Leonard family confirmed the news through a statement on Tuesday.

With sadness, the children of Bob and Nancy Leonard announce the peaceful passing of our mother last night. Her health declined steadily in recent months, but her will to make the most of life never wavered, as evidenced by her insistence on attending Pacers games this past season at age 93. She will always be the #1 Pacers fan.

Leonard Family

Nancy Leonard played a fundamental role in the Pacers franchise. She was assistant general manager from 1976 to 1980, working alongside her husband, who coached the team and assumed the title of general manager when Indiana transitioned from the ABA to the NBA in 1976. During this time, Nancy largely handled the team’s administrative tasks, while Bobby focused on coaching. The Leonards also played a crucial role in the Pacers’ survival by organizing a telethon in 1977, which aimed to sell season tickets and avoid the team’s financial ruin. Nancy is credited with the idea of carrying out this event.

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Nancy Leonard. Simply put, we wouldn’t be here without her. From the early days of the franchise, Nancy poured her heart and soul into the team, not only as the wife of Slick Leonard, but as a female pioneer who brought the community together when we needed it most.

Simon Family and Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Nancy Leonard’s influence on the Pacers transcended time, even attending games during the team’s run to the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers player, Tyrese Haliburton, spoke out on social media: Before every game, I knew I could count on a wink and a smile behind the bench. There is no Pacers basketball without Nancy Leonard. I can’t wait to see the day her name is in the rafters, where it belongs. RIP to a legend and a beautiful soul. Bobby Leonard, who was also a commentator for Pacers games for many years after his coaching career, and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, passed away in April 2021.