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Red McCombs, former owner of the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Vikings, dies at 95 with NFL franchise leading tributes to Texas billionaire
Former Minnesota Vikings, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets owner Billy Joe ‘Red’ McCombs has died at the age of 95.
McCombs passed away Sunday according to a family statement. He bought the Vikings for $250 million in 1998 before selling them to current owners, the Wilf brothers, for $600 million in 2005.
“The Minnesota Vikings are saddened by the passing of former team owner Red McCombs,” the Vikings said in a statement.
“Red embodied his famous catchphrase ‘Purple Pride’ and remained a staunch Vikings fan after passing the torch to the Wilf family in 2005… We will be forever grateful for Red and Charline’s contributions to the Vikings.”
Charline McCombs, Red’s wife, passed away in December 2019.
Billy Joe ‘Red’ McCombs passed away Sunday at age 95, according to a family statement
Under McCombs’ ownership, the Vikings went to two NFC Championship games.
McCombs was part of a group of businessmen who moved the Dallas Chaparrals from the ABA to San Antonio in 1973 and renamed them the Spurs.
He was instrumental in bringing the Spurs into the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.
In 1993, he sold the South Central Texas franchise for $75 million. McCombs bought the Denver Nuggets in 1982 before selling the franchise in 1985.
He dumped his stake in Spurs during that time before reinvesting in Spurs afterwards.
McCombs founded the Automotive Group of the same name and is the namesake of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, his alma mater.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones paid tribute, saying, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the McCombs family on the passing of Red.”
“A true Texas titan in sports, media, business and philanthropy, he followed his dreams and impacted many others throughout his incredible life journey.
“He was an inspiration to me, and Red’s interest in sports was a huge draw as a friend.
“I respected the way he valued loyalty and had a deep appreciation for everything it took to build a team.
“Red’s determination, achievements and positive spirit will live on forever as he embodied a relentless and passionate approach to life, relationships and community.”
McCombs was incredibly generous with regards to donations to his alma mater, UT Austin.
While he owned the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets, he owned the Vikings from 1998-2005.