Nancy Leonard, First Lady of the Pacers, passes away
Nancy, like Slick, was everything to the Pacers. It was her second family. She cared deeply for the organization, willing to do whatever she could to support & help. She died Tuesday at 93 years old.
The Indiana Pacers lost their biggest fan on Tuesday.
Nancy Leonard, the matriarch of the franchise, passed away on Tuesday.
She’s battled health issues over the last year, but was determined to return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Pacers playoff games this past spring during their magical run to the NBA Finals.
After their Game 6 win over the New York Knicks to advance to the Finals for the first time since 2000, Leonard was showered with love. Hugs all around from coaches, players, staffers, and Pacers fans.
Statement from the Simon family and Pacers Sports & Entertainment:
We are heartbroken to hear of Nancy Leonard’s passing. Quite simply, we would not be here without her. From the earliest days of the franchise, Nancy poured her heart and soul into the team, not just as the wife of Slick Leonard, but as a female trailblazer who rallied the community when we needed it the most.
“From organizing the now-legendary telethon that helped save the team to being a constant presence courtside as a true superfan, her passion for the organization made her beloved by generations of players, alumni and staff. She will always be part of the Pacers family and her legacy will continue to shape who we are. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Leonard family and all who were touched by Nancy’s remarkable life.
Nancy was the widow of Hall of Famer Slick Leonard, who died in April 2021. The two met at Indiana University.
She’s a foundational piece to the franchise, going back to the ABA days when they won three championships (1970, 1972, 1973) with Slick as head coach.
Nancy wasn’t just a coach’s wife. She helped run the front office and business operations — and together with Slick, they saved the franchise with the famous telethon.
After her role in basketball, she became a real estate agent, helping so many in the community and connected to the franchise get settled.
Nancy lived on the north side of Indy and was more than a regular at Pacers games. She was always there — if she could.
And when she wasn’t there — in the same seat, two rows behind the Pacers bench — she made sure someone used the tickets.
Her absence over the last few years was felt. So much so that staffers, family, and close friends would occasionally make signs or photos to then send to her. Like this one of Tyrese Halibuton’s father, John.
Because she was always there in spirit.
Then and forever.
More Reaction
Owner Steve Simon: RIP my old friend, you made the whole thing happen, Love you so much!
Fever president Kelly Krauskopf: We stand on her shoulders. We would not be here if it weren’t for Nancy!
Tyrese Haliburton: The First Lady of Indiana basketball. 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. Can’t wait to see the day her name is in the rafters where it belongs. RIP to a legend and a beautiful soul
T.J. McConnell: RIP to a legend!:
Former Pacer Myles Turner: I’d Like To Take This Time To Pass My Condolences & Honor The Life & Legacy Of Mrs Nancy Leonard…When I Was A Rookie She Personally Took The Time To Get To Know Me, Welcome Me To The City, And I Quickly Learned The Legacy Her And Her Husband The Late Great “Slick” Leonard Built Within The City Of Indianapolis! She Sat Right Behind Our Home Bench And RARELY Missed A Game Or A Moment at The FieldHouse.
It Truly Fills My Heart With Joy She Was Able To Experience Her Team Get To The Finals Last Year And I Can Only Imagine What That Moment Meant.For Her And Her Family Regardless Of How You Feel About Me Or How Things Ended Some Things Are Just Bigger Than Basketball This Moment Being One Of Them… My Thoughts And Prayers Are With The Pacers Organization And I’m Thankful For Me & Mrs Nancy Time TogetherFormer Pacer Scot Pollard: Nancy was the first person to drive me around Indiana when I got traded there. She was my realtor but became a friend. What a wonderful legacy her and Slick created. Indiana as a state owes them a debt that cannot be repaid
Indianapolis Colts: The Indianapolis Colts family is so sad to learn of the passing of Nancy Leonard, a true Indianapolis and Indiana icon. Nancy’s role in saving and solidifying Indiana Pacers basketball is legendary in this community, and her contributions to Indianapolis helped make us the worldwide sports destination we are today. We send our most sincere thoughts and prayers to Slick and Nancy’s family and to our friends at Pacers Sports &
Entertainment for this great loss.
So sad for the 2 times I reached out to u and asked about her when she was not at games for a period of time. And now to read this article of her passing, is so very sad! I was a young man when they had that telethon. I remember that like it was today!