Pat Williams, a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and someone who spent more than a half-century working within the NBA, died Wednesday from complications related to viral pneumonia, the team announced.

Williams was 84.

He started his NBA career as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968, then had stints as general manager of the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks and the 76ers — helping that franchise win an NBA title in 1983.

A few years later, Williams was involved in starting the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando. The league’s board of governors granted an expansion franchise in 1987, and the team began play in 1989.

“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins said in a joint statement. “His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve.”

pic.twitter.com/LSE0P4zTmh

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) July 18, 2024

A statement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams:

“There is no Orlando Magic without Pat Williams.  He was held in such high regard in the basketball community and was a friend to me and so many generations of league executives.  Pat was never at a loss for a kind and supportive word and always brought great enthusiasm, energy and optimism to everything he did throughout his more than 50 years in the NBA.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s wife, Ruth, their family and the entire Magic organization.”

A statement from the Williams family:

It is with great sadness that we share this news about our Dad, Pat Williams. He stepped into his eternal reward today, and as believers, we know that this is cause for celebration.

We have peace through our broken hearts knowing he’s in the arms of Jesus. He was the best husband, father and grandfather and brother anyone could ask for — a warrior, a hero, a visionary, but most importantly, a larger than life follower of Jesus.

He loved a challenge, and when he moved our family to Orlando to start the Magic, he was full of excitement and energy that he displayed every day.  We all grew up believing that anything is possible because of his unwavering enthusiasm for what he was passionate about.  Those who attended the games, saw him at church, or spent time with him in a social setting know that he never met a stranger and was always quick with an encouraging word. He was a giver, a teacher, the ultimate cheerleader, and he was a life-long learner. He loved to read and he cherished his books. But the most important thing was that he was quick to talk about his relationship with Jesus. We know for a fact that he would want everyone reading this to realize that the greatest decision you will ever make is to make Jesus your friend and your Savior.

The Lord rewarded his hard work and faithfulness, and we will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live on.  He loved Orlando and will forever be etched into the heart of who we are.  We say thank you for your love and prayers through these last few weeks.  We know this is not goodbye, just “see you later”.  In true Pat fashion, we can see him standing inside the gates of heaven ready to welcome everyone and shake their hand, just as he did at Magic games!  We love you Dad, and we will see you soon.

A statement from the Williams family: pic.twitter.com/jBgklzrV3U

— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) July 18, 2024