Founding Cavs owner Nick Mileti dies at age 93

Mileti played a large role in bringing the NBA to Cleveland.

Nick Mileti was a Cleveland-based lawyer who became interested in sports in the late 1960s. He bought the Cleveland Arena and the Cleveland Barons hockey club with the goal of bringing an NBA team to the city. Two years later, he led the group that saw the creation of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 1970-71 season.

Mileti was also responsible for building the Richfield Coliseum which served as home to the Cavs for 20 years starting in 1974.

The Cavs had a rocky start as is expected with any expansion franchise. They made the playoffs in their sixth season (1975-76) with an impressive 49-33 record. Cleveland then made the postseason the following two years. They had a 304-434 record with Mileti in control. He sold his interest in the Cavs in 1980 which led to the dreadful Ted Stepien era shortly thereafter.

Mileti was also involved in other Cleveland business. He purchased control of the team that is now known as the Cleveland Guardians in 1972. He also owned the Cleveland radio station WTAM 1100.

Mileti was among the initial inductees into the Cavs Wall of Honor in 2019. During the ceremony, Mileti was given a championship ring for 2016 due to his role in bringing the Cavs to Cleveland. Also included in that initial group were Wayne Embry, Bill Fitch, John Johnson, and John “Hot Rod” Williams.”

Mileti passed away at age 93 on Wednesday morning according to FOX 8.