The owner of the Indiana Pacers will be inducted into the Hall Of Fame

Herb Simon, chairman and owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, has been announced as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This morning, the organization revealed the news during a live broadcast on ESPN.

Simon, the longest-serving owner in NBA history, was named a finalist in February under the "Contributors" category, which honors owners and executives who have played pivotal roles in the growth of basketball in the United States and globally. He will join Pacers icons Reggie Miller, George McGinnis, Bobby "Slick" Leonard, Roger Brown, and Mel Daniels, as well as Fever legend Tamika Catchings, in the esteemed Naismith Hall of Fame.




In 1983, Simon and his brother, Melvin, acquired the Pacers, injecting fresh vitality into the franchise and anchoring it firmly in Indiana. Collaborating with business and civic leaders, the Simons played a pivotal role in bringing the 1985 NBA All-Star Game to Indianapolis, an event that set an attendance record lasting until 2010. Since then, the Pacers have remained among the NBA's most stable and consistent teams, establishing themselves as one of the league's most recognizable brands with a fan base extending beyond state borders.

As an owner and team governor, Simon has been instrumental in the NBA's transformation into a global powerhouse, spearheading efforts to innovate and expand the game's reach worldwide. Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) entered the WNBA with the expansion Fever in 2000, quickly becoming one of the league's most successful franchises. Simon's dedication to women's basketball has contributed to positioning the WNBA as the premier women's professional basketball league globally.

Furthermore, Simon was an early advocate for NBA 2K gaming, founding Pacers Gaming in the league's inaugural season (2017-2018), recognizing the potential to engage new demographics and foster a love for the game among younger generations. Today, PS&E stands as one of the few organizations with franchises in the NBA, WNBA, G League, and NBA 2K League.

Simon's influence extends beyond the basketball court in Indiana. For decades, he and the Simon family have been instrumental in Indianapolis' development as an international center for business, sports, entertainment, and arts and culture. Simon's commitment to downtown Indianapolis has catalyzed its growth, shaping both its physical and cultural landscape. Moreover, the philanthropic contributions made by Simon and his family have strengthened numerous Indiana communities, benefiting Hoosier families and the organizations serving them.

Source Sporting News: Herb Simon, Pacers Sports & Entertainment Chairman and Owner, Named to 2024 Class of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Source BasketNews : Indiana Pacers owner to be elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame