Richie Adubato Passes Away at 87

Richie Adubato, a well-respected figure in both the NBA and WNBA, passed away on Thursday, as announced by his family through social media on Friday.

He was 87 years old.

Adubato was the second head coach of the Liberty franchise, serving from 1999 to 2004. During this time, he coached future Hall of Famers Becky Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon.

In his six seasons with the team, Adubato achieved a record of 100 wins and 78 losses, along with three appearances in the WNBA Finals. However, he was let go midway through the 2004 season.

He holds the record for the most games coached in Liberty history and ranks second in career wins behind Sandy Brondello, who parted ways with the team following the 2025 season.

Adubato’s tenure at Liberty marked the end of a remarkable coaching journey that stretched nearly four decades, starting at Uppsala College in East Orange, New Jersey, which is no longer operational.

After spending a decade at the Division III school, he transitioned to the NBA, beginning as an assistant coach with the Pistons during the 1978-79 season and then stepping in as the interim head coach the following year.

Throughout the next 20 years, Adubato took on multiple coaching roles in the NBA, including with the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Magic. He was also the head coach of the Mavericks from 1989 to 1993.

“The NBA and WNBA mourn the loss of Richie Adubato,” the league shared in a social media post on Friday. “Ritchie’s coaching career spanned 40 years and included head coaching roles with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics, as well as interim positions with the Pistons and Magic.”

He also worked as the exclusive radio analyst for the Magic for 15 years. “Our deepest condolences go out to Adubato’s family,” they added.

Before his time in the WNBA, Adubato had a brief stint as head coach in Orlando, where he guided the team to a 21-12 record during the 1996-97 season.

The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richie Adubato.” According to reports, he maintained a close relationship with the Magic and served as one of their radio analysts from 2005 to 2020.

“Richie’s legacy lives on in every story and lesson he shared. He transformed the gym into a space of connection and joy, impacting countless lives with his warmth, humor, and remarkable spirit,” the Magic stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carol and the entire Adubato family.”