The Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin died last Tuesday. Washington Sports & Entertainment announced that he suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disorder that impairs movement and balance. Pollin, 85, owned the NBA franchise for more than 40 years, making him the NBA’s longest-tenured owner.
He brought an NBA championship to the nation’s capital when the Wizards won an NBA championship under Pollin during the 1977-78 season, while appearing in the NBA Finals three other times in 1971, ’75 and ’79.
Two of his great contributions are the Cap Centre and Verizon Center. Cap Centre was the first venue in the Maryland suburbs that brought big-time sports and entertainment. The Verizon Center has revitalized downtown,
In a statement, the Nationals said:
“The Washington Nationals and the Lerner family join all of the Washington, D.C., community and sports fans nationally in mourning the loss of Abe Pollin. He was not just the beloved owner of sports teams in the nation’s capital for almost 40 years, he was also a significant force in the rebirth of downtown Washington, D.C., and a magnanimous contributor to the personality, health and well-being of everyone who calls our community home.
“He leaves an important legacy. Our deepest affection and condolences are with the Pollin family and the Washington Sports and Entertainment organization in their time of grief.”
