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

Richie Adubato, Legendary Basketball Coach, Passes Away

The basketball community mourns the loss of Richie Adubato, a coach with a decades-long career in the NBA and WNBA. Adubato, known for his charisma and dedication to the game, passed away at the age of 87, according to his family. Adubato left an indelible mark on the sport, coaching teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and New York Liberty. Let’s remember him as the fun, intelligent, energetic, and genuinely warm human being he always was. Beth Adubato, Richie’s daughter His daughter, Beth, shared an emotional message on social media, highlighting her father’s personality. In his time in the WNBA, Adubato led the New York Liberty to three finals in six seasons (1999-2004), coaching future stars like Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon. Even today, he holds the record for most games coached with 178 and is second in wins (100) in the history of the franchise.

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.

Statement from the New York Liberty

Adubato also coached the Washington Mystics for two and a half seasons (2005-2007).

Richie Adubato, a former NBA and WNBA coach, has passed away at the age of 87. Adubato coached the Mavericks, Magic, Liberty and Mystics during his career. pic.twitter.com/fQzQ41oPz3

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 17, 2024

In 1997, Adubato was the interim coach of the Magic and was also a radio analyst for the team from 2005 to 2020. The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic mourn the loss of Richie Adubato. Statement from the Orlando Magic The Magic highlighted Adubato’s impact, recalling how he transformed the court into a space of connection and joy.

The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic are saddened to learn of the passing of Richie Adubato. 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 unforgettable spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol, and the entire Adubato family. pic.twitter.com/pP3bW60g4y

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) May 17, 2024

Adubato was also interim coach in Detroit during the 1979-80 season and coached the Mavericks from 1989 to 1993. The NBA and WNBA joined the mourning for Adubato’s passing, acknowledging his extensive four-decade career. Before his time in the NBA, Adubato coached basketball in high schools and universities in New Jersey for 18 years. He graduated from William Paterson, where he captained the basketball and baseball teams.