Cavs Release Statement On Founder Nick Mileti: ‘Ignited The Spirit’ Of Cleveland Pro Hoops

The Cavaliers have released a statement on the death of franchise founder Nick Mileti, who passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 93.

“The Cleveland Cavaliers are saddened to learn of the passing of Nick Mileti, the beloved founder whose passion and vision ignited the spirit of Cavaliers basketball in our great city,” the release read. “A true pioneer in the world of sports, Nick was not just a leader; he was a dreamer who transformed that dream into reality for countless fans in Cleveland.

“Inducted into the inaugural class of the Cavaliers Wall of Honor in 2019, Nick’s legacy is forever etched in the history of our franchise. His journey began as a Cleveland-area lawyer, and in 1968, he took a bold step by purchasing the Cleveland Arena. Just two years later, he led a dedicated group that brought the Cavaliers to life, introducing our team to the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1970.

“Nick had a grand vision for the future of basketball in Cleveland, culminating in the construction of the Richfield Coliseum, which opened its doors in 1974 as the largest arena in the NBA. For 20 unforgettable years, the Coliseum was home to the Cavaliers, a place where memories were made, and dreams were realized.

‘Nick Mileti changed the course of Cleveland sports history, and his passion and commitment will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. His spirit will continue to inspire us, and we will forever honor his memory and the indelible mark he left on our franchise and community.”

A native of Cleveland and former attorney, Mileti founded the Cavs in 1970, paying a $3.7 million expansion fee to enter the NBA.

A few years prior, he bought the Cleveland Barons hockey team and the old Cleveland Arena, followed by baseball’s Cleveland Indians, as well as the Cleveland Crusaders, another hockey team.

Along with all that, Mileti purchased land in Richfield to build the legendary Coliseum, which he also owned, in 1974. It opened with a Frank Sinatra concert on Oct. 26, 1974 — and went on to deliver cherished Cavs eras such as The Miracle of Richfield, and the late 1980s/early ’90s teams featuring Brad Daugherty, Mark Price, Larry Nance and coach Lenny Wilkens.

“I want to have fun, make some dough, and leave a few footprints,” he told sportswriter Bob Oates of the Los Angeles Times in 1972.

The Cavaliers presented Mileti with a championship ring after the franchise won its first and only title in 2016.