Richie Adubato Passes Away: NBA and WNBA Basketball Legend at 87 Years Old

Richie Adubato, Legendary Basketball Coach, Passes Away

The basketball world mourns the loss of Richie Adubato, a coach with a four-decade career in the NBA and WNBA. Adubato, who passed away at 87, left an indelible mark on the sport. The Adubato family confirmed his passing on Thursday, sharing the news on social media on Friday. “Let’s remember him as the fun, intelligent, energetic, and genuinely warm human being he always was,” wrote his daughter, Beth, in an emotional message. Adubato coached the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic and New York Liberty, leaving a significant legacy on each team.

With deep gratitude, we remember the legacy of Richie Adubato, who guided the Liberty to 3 WNBA Finals appearances and established a standard of excellence that still inspires our organization today.

New York Liberty

During his time at the helm of the Liberty, Adubato led the team to the WNBA Finals on three occasions (1999-2004), coaching future stars like Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon. He still holds the franchise record with 178 games coached and is second in wins (100).

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Richie Adubato, a former NBA and WNBA coach, has passed away at the age of 87. pic.twitter.com/f499gB0F5P

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 10, 2024

Adubato also coached the WNBA’s Washington Mystics for more than two seasons, from 2005 to 2007. In 1997, he was interim coach of the Magic after serving as an assistant for several years, and he was also a radio analyst for the team from 2005 to 2020.

Richie’s legacy lives on in every story and lesson he shared, a coach who turned the gym into a place of connection and joy, impacting countless lives with warmth, humor, and an unforgettable spirit.

Orlando Magic

Adubato also had a stint with the Detroit Pistons as interim coach in the 1979-80 season, and later coached the Dallas Mavericks from 1989 to 1993.

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So saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Richie Adubato. He will be missed but never forgotten. 🙏🙏🙏

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 10, 2024

Before his NBA career, Adubato dedicated 18 years to high school and college basketball in New Jersey. He graduated from William Paterson, where he captained the basketball and baseball teams.