Nancy Leonard, the “First Lady of Indiana basketball,” died at home in early September at age 93. Her family announced this tragic news in a statement. Her impact on the Indiana Pacers is immeasurable. She is equally beloved in the broader basketball community.
Leonard’s family confirmed her peaceful passing, highlighting her significant role in the Pacers’ history. From 1976 to 1980, she served as the team’s assistant general manager. She worked hand-in-hand with her husband, Bobby Leonard, the head coach those years. In 1976, the Pacers took a huge step—moving from the American Basketball Association (ABA) to the National Basketball Association (NBA). At the center of this transformative shift, Bobby Leonard was appointed general manager. For much of this era, Nancy Leonard was instrumental in providing support with most of the franchise’s administrative tasks.
Her creative vision pushed the envelope on the team’s promotional and community efforts. She became a loud and proud advocate for the franchise, even proposing the idea of a telethon to fund the franchise. This initiative not only demonstrated her commitment but her awareness of what the team needed most at that point in time.
Though her health greatly deteriorated over the last few months, Nancy Leonard’s spirit was not easily crushed. In 2025, as she passionately cheered at each game, the Pacers continued on through the playoffs and on to the NBA Finals. Her intense loyalty to the squad she loved radiated from her.
“Her health steadily declined in recent months, but her will to get the most out of life never wavered as evidenced by her insistence on attending Pacers games this past season at 93 years young. She will always be the Pacers #1 fan.” – Leonard’s family
Bobby Leonard passed away in April 2021 and was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. Together, they made a fearsome twosome that remains one of the greatest dynamic duos in Indiana basketball history. Their legacy lives on in everyone who continues to marvel at their skill and brilliance—fans, players, everyone.
Nancy Leonard’s family reiterated her importance to the franchise by stating, “There is no Pacers basketball without Nancy Leonard.” Her indelible mark on the team and its culture can’t be understated and will have her remembered fondly by generations to come.
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