Texas businessman Billy Joe “Red” McCombs, who brought the Spurs franchise to San Antonio, died on Sunday at age 95.
“The entire McCombs Family is heartbroken to announce that our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Red McCombs, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023,” his family said in an official statement via social media. “As he drew his last breath peacefully at home, he was surrounded by family who loved and adored him.”
“Red was a visionary entrepreneur who touched many lives and impacted our community in immeasurable ways,” they continued. “But to us, he was always, first and foremost, ‘Dad’ or ‘Poppop.’ We mourn the loss of a Texas icon.”
McCombs bought the Dallas Chaparrals of the American Basketball Association in the 1970s and moved the team to San Antonio in 1973. He was a part-owner of the team when it became one of only four franchises absorbed by the NBA in 1976.
The Spurs posted tributes to McCombs all over their social media channels.
“Without him, there would be no Spurs,” the team wrote. “Today we mourn with the McCombs family. Red, you were one of the most influential San Antonians in our city’s long history. Thank you for your courageous commitment and unwavering love for our city and team.”
McCombs also previously owned the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who made two NFC Championship game appearances under his ownership, also released a statement on social media.
After attending Southwestern University and the University of Texas, McCombs made his mark in the media, oil, and automotive industries beyond the realm of sports. At one point, he owned 55 car dealerships as part of the Red McCombs Automotive Group, and he co-founded Clear Channel Communications, which later became iHeartMedia.
McCombs frequently gave back to the University of Texas, and the university’s business school was named after him in 2000.
Lillian Mills, the Dean of the McCombs School of Business, released a statement on the school website, and several members of the university expressed their condolences.
“If there’s ever a phrase to describe the McCombs family and Red specifically, it’s that he led the great state of Texas,” UT Athletics Director Chris Del Conte remarked, according to one release. “He is truly the epitome of a Texas legend. He was all about the great state of Texas.”
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who was a friend of McCombs, also provided a statement on his passing via the Dallas Cowboys website.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the McCombs family upon Red’s passing,” Jones said, per the statement.
“A true Texas titan across sports, media, business and philanthropy, he followed his dreams and impacted countless others along the journey of his amazing life. He was an inspiration to me, and Red’s interest in sports was a great attraction as a friend,” he continued.
“I respected the way he valued loyalty and had a deep appreciation for everything it took to put a team together. Red’s determination, accomplishments and positive spirit will live forever as he embodied a relentless and passionate approach to life, relationships and community,” he concluded.