Pacers to honor Nancy Leonard before tip-off to 2025-26 season
The team will hold a moment of silence and tribute to one of its most influential figures, followed by the unveiling of the 2025 Eastern Conference championship banner, Thursday before hosting OKC.
Indiana Pacers fans are encouraged to be in their seats before the national anthem Thursday night, ahead of the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder — a rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The team plans to hold a moment of silence to honor Nancy Leonard, one of the most important figures in team history. She passed away on Sept. 23 at the age of 93.
Then, the team is hoping for a big standing ovation from players and fans to celebrate her life and the many contributions she made to the organization.
In addition, the Pacers will celebrate their run to the NBA Finals — for the first time since 2000 — with a banner for winning the Eastern Conference Championship.
Leonard, who was married to the late Slick Leonard, a Hall of Famer, was influential in many regards to the franchise. Those two Indiana natives are known for leading the telethon that saved the team — but she did much, much more.
She sponsored the Pacemates, the first dance team in the NBA.
She became the first woman to hold a front-office position in the NBA, serving as assistant general manager and helping run the team from a business perspective.
She assisted countless players, coaches, and staff members feel at home in Indy — and with their purchase of a home as their relator.
She hosted many team gatherings — both during the Pacers’ ABA days and in retirement — building a close-knit team that remains connected to this day.
She sat right behind the bench to support the team, including for the Game 6 win in the Eastern Conference Finals.
A private ceremony was held on Oct. 4 — and current players and coaches attended to show their support. It does not appear that they will wear black stripes on their jerseys as they did for Slick to close the 2020-21 season.
Their season opener — at 7:30 p.m. ET — will air locally on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana and nationally on ESPN as one of two featured games Thursday night.
Also of note: Today is owner Herb Simon’s 91st birthday.
From May 2021:
