Who is Indiana Fever’s Owner?

In 1999, the WNBA announced its expansion and added four teams, including the Indiana Fever. The Fever play in the Eastern Conference and have been home to multiple MVP-caliber talents. They play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which is also home to the Indiana Pacers.

In the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Indiana Fever were awarded the first pick and selected Caitlin Clark, who broke the NCAA scoring record. Since then, Indiana has broken their past year’s home attendance record in just five games and currently averages the highest attendance in the league.

The franchise had a rough start in the 2024 season, but the duo of the 2023 Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark have shown immense potential. The Fever’s roster also includes one-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell and the 2022 second-overall pick, NaLyssa Smith.

Indiana Fever Owner

Born on October 23, 1934, in New York City, USA, Herbert Simon is the owner of the Indiana Fever. Herbert Simon was born into a Jewish family and moved to the United States of America, where he graduated with a B.B.A. in Business from the City College of New York.

Later, in 1960, brothers Melvin Simon and Herbert Simon started Simon Property Group. The company has grown significantly over the decades through strategic acquisitions and development projects. It primarily focuses on owning, developing, and managing retail properties, including malls, outlets, and community shopping centers. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Simon Property Group is one of the largest mall operators in the country and globally. According to Forbes, Herbert Simon’s net worth is estimated at $4.8 billion.

In 1999, the WNBA awarded an expansion team to the city of Indianapolis, which was named the ‘Indiana Fever.’ As proficient owners of the NBA franchise in the city of Indianapolis, Melvin and Herbert bought the Indiana Fever. After Melvin’s death, Herbert became the sole owner of both basketball franchises in the city. Now 89 years old, Herbert Simon was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in April 2024 at the NCAA Final Four.

He also owns the Indiana Pacers and is the longest-standing owner in the NBA. In 1983, the city of Indianapolis rejoiced as a 48-year-old businessman came forward to save their NBA franchise. Herbert and his late brother Melvin bought the Pacers. The move was hailed across the basketball world as the Pacers were on the brink of folding.