• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 15, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

How One Executive Changed the NBA

  • Rick Welts, one of the most influential NBA executives in history, is retiring at the end of the season.
  • Welts helped create the WNBA, NBA All-Star Weekend, and the 1992 Dream Team.
Golden State Warriors/Design: Alex Brooks

What connects the WNBA, NBA All-Star Weekend, the historic 1992 Olympic Dream Team, and the Golden State Warriors recent three-championship run?

Rick Welts, an executive with a nearly unrivaled impact, who announced on Friday that he would retire at the end of the season. 

Warriors President since 2011, Welts previously worked for the Seattle Supersonics (winning a championship in 1979), Phoenix Suns, and the NBA league office.

His impact on the NBA and its global brand is nearly unrivaled.

  • Welts spearheaded the transformation of the All-Star Game into a weekend featuring the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest.
  • He pushed the NBA to allow its best players into the Olympics, elevating the sport’s global presence with the storied 1992 Dream Team.
  • Welts worked with Val Ackerman to launch the WNBA in 1997.

“Simply put, Rick Welts played a transformational role in creating the modern NBA during his more than 40 years as a pioneering league and team executive,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Welts, who was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2018, also became the first openly gay NBA executive in 2011.

The 68-year-old told The Undefeated that he plans to travel in Europe, once that is possible, and settle into a more relaxing lifestyle. “This is my 46th NBA season,” he said. “To be good at this, you have to work hard always. I’m ready not to do that.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Valkyries

Valkyries Now Have to Try to Remake Ballhalla 50 Miles Away

Golden State will try to stave off elimination in an unfamiliar environment.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.
Sep 10, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) fights to keep the ball in-bounds during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Connecticut AG Demands Documents From WNBA About Sun Sale Process

The WNBA reportedly prefers to move the team to Houston.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of a Wilson basketball and the Dallas Wings logo during the game between the Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Urges WNBA to End CBA Stalemate

The league and WNBPA must reach an agreement by Oct. 31.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
September 12, 2025

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks in a press conference during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
September 11, 2025

Silver Says Free Highlights Are an Issue As NBA Begins $77B Deal

Silver called basketball a “highlight-based sport.”
September 11, 2025

Greg Norman Leaves LIV As Golf World Continues to Shift

Norman relinquished the league’s CEO role in January.