Tyrese Haliburton Honors Indiana Basketball Icon Nancy Leonard After Her Passing

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has never shied away from showing his support for women’s basketball. From celebrating the Indiana Fever’s playoff push to championing women’s role in the sport, Haliburton has often used his platform to uplift women athletes. This week, his advocacy took on a more personal and heartfelt tone as he paid tribute to Nancy Leonard, the “First Lady of Indiana Basketball,” who passed away at the age of 93.

Haliburton’s Tribute

The First Lady of Indiana basketball. Before every game, I knew I could count on a wink and a smile behind the bench. There is no Pacers basketball without Nancy Leonard. Can’t wait to see the day her name is in the rafters where it belongs. RIP to a legend and a beautiful soul💛 pic.twitter.com/tDvPOxNO2B

— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) September 24, 2025

Haliburton took to social media on Wednesday to remember Leonard, sharing an emotional message with Pacers fans and the broader basketball community.

“The First Lady of Indiana basketball. Before every game, I knew I could count on a wink and a smile behind the bench. There is no Pacers basketball without Nancy Leonard. Can’t wait to see the day her name is in the rafters where it belongs. RIP to a legend and a beautiful soul💛”

His words underscored Leonard’s profound impact not just on the Pacers franchise, but also on the culture of Indiana basketball as a whole.

A Trailblazer in Basketball

Nancy Leonard’s contributions to basketball extended far beyond the nickname she earned. She became the first woman to serve as an assistant general manager for an NBA team, holding the role from 1976 to 1980. Working alongside her husband, Hall of Fame coach Bob Leonard, she helped guide the Pacers during one of the most challenging and transitional eras in franchise history.

At the time, the Pacers were moving from the ABA (American Basketball Association) to the NBA, a shift that required careful leadership and community support. In 1977, Leonard spearheaded a groundbreaking telethon that helped raise critical funds for the team. She offered season tickets to fans who supported the cause, effectively saving the franchise from the brink of collapse.

Her innovative thinking and ability to rally the community cemented her status as a pioneer in professional basketball, paving the way for women in front-office leadership roles across the league.

A Witness to the Pacers’ Modern Era

Despite stepping away from an official role decades ago, Leonard remained a constant presence in Indiana basketball. She continued to sit behind the bench, offering her signature wink and smile that Haliburton so fondly remembered.

This past summer, Leonard had the opportunity to watch the Pacers make a run to the NBA Finals, a moment of validation for her lifelong dedication to the franchise. She also witnessed Haliburton’s rise as one of the team’s brightest stars, with his leadership and clutch performances becoming defining features of the Pacers’ postseason journey.

Remembering the “First Lady of Indiana Basketball”

Nancy Leonard’s legacy is not only about breaking barriers but also about ensuring that the Pacers remained an integral part of Indiana’s identity. Her story is intertwined with the survival and growth of the franchise, making her one of the most influential figures in the team’s history.

Haliburton’s tribute reflects what many in the Pacers community feel: that her name and legacy deserve permanent recognition within the organization, perhaps alongside her husband’s name in the rafters.

As Haliburton put it, “There is no Pacers basketball without Nancy Leonard.” For Indiana fans, players, and the wider basketball world, those words serve as a reminder of her lasting influence and the enduring love she had for the game.