Richie Adubato, Influential NBA and WNBA Coach, Dies at 87
A veteran of nearly four decades in professional basketball, Richie Adubato passed away on Thursday at the age of 87, his family announced Friday. Adubato’s career spanned both the NBA and WNBA, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and the players he mentored, including future Hall of Famers.
Adubato is perhaps best known for his six-season tenure as head coach of the New York Liberty from 1999-2004. During his time with the franchise, he amassed a 100-78 record and led the team to three WNBA Finals appearances. Despite being relieved of his duties midway through the 2004 season, Adubato remains the Liberty’s all-time leader in games coached and ranks second in career wins, trailing only Sandy Brondello, who recently concluded her time with the team following the 2025 season.
His journey in basketball began at Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey, where he coached for ten years. He then transitioned to the NBA, starting as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons in the 1978-79 season and briefly serving as their interim head coach the following year. For the subsequent two decades, Adubato held coaching positions with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Dallas Mavericks, where he served as head coach from 1989-1993.
A photograph from August 25, 2002, shows Head Coach Richie Adubato of the New York Liberty discussing strategy with his players during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Washington Mystics at Madison Square Garden.
The NBA and WNBA jointly mourned Adubato’s passing. “Richie’s coaching career spanned four decades, including serving as head coach for the Dallas Mavericks, New York Liberty and Washington Mystics, as well as interim head coach for the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic,” the NBA posted on X Friday. The league also highlighted his 15-year career as a radio analyst for the Orlando Magic, extending condolences to the Adubato family.
Before joining the WNBA, Adubato had a successful stint as head coach of the Orlando Magic in the 1996-97 season, leading the team to a 21-12 record. The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic expressed their sadness upon learning of his death, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel. Adubato’s connection with the Magic continued after his time on the sidelines, as he became a beloved radio analyst for the team from 2005 through 2020.
“Richie’s legacy lives on in every story and lesson he shared — a coach who turned the gym into a place of connection and joy, impacting countless lives with warmth, humor, and unforgettable spirit,” the Magic said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol, and the entire Adubato family.”
Adubato’s nearly 40-year career stands as a testament to his dedication and influence within the world of basketball, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and success.
