A Historical Move: Herb Simon’s $50 Million Donation Leaves Indiana Pacers Owners Speechless
In a moment that will forever be etched in the history of Indiana sports, longtime Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon has made an unprecedented gesture that has stunned the basketball world and brought joy to fans and stakeholders across the state. In a surprise announcement, the 89-year-old Simon donated a staggering $50 million to kick-start the long-awaited renovation of the Pacers’ training center, fulfilling a promise he made years ago to invest in the team’s future infrastructure and development. The donation, one of the largest ever from a professional sports team owner toward team facilities, left the Pacers’ ownership group, staff, and players utterly speechless.
The monumental gift will go toward a comprehensive renovation of the Ascension St. Vincent Center in downtown Indianapolis, which serves as the team’s primary training and player development facility. The upgrades are expected to include advanced medical and recovery suites, expanded training courts, state-of-the-art performance analytics systems, and wellness spaces designed with both current players and future stars in mind. The transformation will elevate the facility to one of the best in the NBA, aligning with the Pacers’ vision of being a premier destination for elite basketball talent.
Herb Simon, who purchased the Indiana Pacers alongside his late brother Melvin in 1983, has long been regarded as one of the most committed owners in professional sports. His dedication to keeping the franchise rooted in Indianapolis has been unwavering, even amid changing economic tides and escalating league valuations. His latest act of generosity is being hailed not just as a financial contribution, but as a powerful statement of faith in the franchise’s long-term success and its central place in Indiana’s cultural and athletic landscape.
In his brief but emotional address announcing the donation, Simon said, “When I said years ago that I would do whatever it takes to keep the Pacers competitive, I meant it. This team and this city mean the world to me. This is about more than basketball—it’s about legacy, community, and building for the future.”
Those in the room were caught completely off guard. One Pacers executive described the mood as “jaw-dropping,” with several members of the ownership group reportedly moved to tears. “We knew Herb cared. We always knew he was generous. But this—this was on another level,” one executive stated. “He didn’t just talk about making a difference. He acted on it in the most profound way.”
The renovation is set to begin later this year, with construction being phased to allow the team continued access during the season. The complete overhaul is expected to be finished within two years. While the estimated total cost of the project may exceed $80 million, Simon’s upfront contribution provides a significant financial backbone that ensures the project won’t be delayed or compromised due to funding concerns.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Simon’s donation symbolizes a broader commitment to the franchise’s competitive edge. With younger stars like Tyrese Haliburton anchoring the team’s core and a bright coaching staff led by Rick Carlisle, the Pacers are positioning themselves as a team to watch in the coming seasons. The improved training center will give the franchise a critical tool in player development, injury prevention, and recruitment of top-tier talent in the free-agent market.
The news has also been received with thunderous support from the local community. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett praised Simon’s contribution, stating, “Herb Simon is a civic treasure. His generosity is yet another reason why our city continues to be a beacon for sports innovation and excellence.”
For fans, the move signals a reinvigorated vision of excellence. Long regarded as a small-market team with a fiercely loyal following, the Pacers are now poised to blend that blue-collar identity with world-class facilities. Season ticket holders have taken to social media to express their admiration, calling Simon a “living legend” and thanking him for “putting his money where his heart is.”
In a league where team owners are often scrutinized for prioritizing profit over progress, Herb Simon’s actions stand in stark contrast. He has not only made history but has also deepened his already indelible imprint on the franchise and the sport itself. His $50 million pledge is more than a financial contribution—it is a legacy move that reinforces his commitment to Indiana basketball, now and for generations to come.
As the Pacers gear up for the next chapter of their journey, one thing is clear: with Herb Simon at the helm, they’re in the hands of a man who doesn’t just talk loyalty—he lives it.
