Red McCombs of the Spurs, Nuggets, and Vikings, passes away.
On February 12, 2023, Billy Joe “Red” McCombs, a well-known American businessman and previous owner of a number of professional sports clubs, passed away at the age of 95. Notwithstanding the many achievements and contributions he has achieved throughout his life, McCombs is best recognized for having owned football’s very own Minnesota Vikings and the honorable San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets.
Early Life of McCombs
Born on October 19, 1928, in Spur, Texas, McCombs was the youngest of nine children. He grew up on a farm and did many jobs in order to provide for his family. McCombs attended Southwestern University in Georgetown but left after two years to serve in the Army during the Korean War. McCombs started his professional career after serving in the military, initially in the automobile sector. He then developed into a prosperous businessman, forming organizations like McCombs Automotive Group and iHeartMedia.
Red’s Road to Success
Despite his wide-stream success in his businesses, McCombs was a sports fanatic who gained interest in team ownership in the 1970s. McCombs’ ownership of the San Antonio Spurs began in 1974, when he purchased the team for $47 million. The Dallas Chaparrals was the team’s previous name, but this changed once McCombs relocated the team. Under his ownership, the Spurs experienced tremendous success, winning five basketball championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Throughout McCombs’ ownership of this all-star team, many noted his commitment to building a winning culture and investing in high-quality talent both on the court and in the front office.
In addition to his ownership of the Spurs, McCombs also owned the Denver Nuggets for a brief period of time. McCombs sold his share of the Spurs in 1982 in order to purchase the Nuggets for $44 million. Later on, McCombs sold it just two years later to Sidney Shlenker for $50 million to later buy the Spurs back in 1988. McCombs’ time as owner of the Nuggets was relatively unremarkable, as the team failed to make the playoffs during his tenure.
Leading The Vikings
McCombs’ ownership of the Minnesota Vikings began in 1998, when he purchased the team for $246 million. Under his ownership, the Vikings experienced mixed success on the field, reaching the playoffs several times but never winning a Super Bowl. But McCombs’ ownership of the Vikings was controversial. An example of this is when McCombs attempted to secure public funding for a new stadium. This later resulted into McCombs selling the team to Zygi Wilf for a reported $600 million in 2005. With the team under new ownership, the Vikings Continue to Work During Their Offseason Needs.
More Impactful Achievements
Moreover, McCombs was essential to Formula One’s return to the U.S. He was one of the biggest investors in Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. In 2012, this was the first F1 circuit built in the nation for the activity and the site of the US Grand Prix. The Austin Circuit later served as a spark for upcoming international racing series, increasing their presence in the United States.
McCombs’ Glory
Ultimately, Red McCombs has earned a reputation for being a reputable and notable individual throughout his life. He has left a lasting impression on the community in which he lived through his business endeavors and philanthropy. He and his family donated millions of dollars to charities and he brought glory and success to his hometown. McCombs is remembered for the charitable acts and contributions to the sports industry he has made throughout his life.
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