2025 Champion for Equality Award Recipient

Herb Simon

Photo Credit: Pacers Sports & Entertainment

A Legacy of Opportunity and Impact 

For more than four decades, Herb Simon has been a visionary force in professional sports, shaping the game on and off the court. As owner and chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) and the longest-tenured owner in NBA history, Simon has built a legacy defined by competitive success, community impact, and opportunity for all. His unwavering dedication to creating pathways for women in sports is why he is this year’s Champion for Equality Award honoree. 

In 1983, Simon purchased the Indiana Pacers alongside his brother, Melvin, ensuring the franchise would remain in Indianapolis. Two years later, he helped bring the 1985 NBA All-Star Game to the city, setting an attendance record that stood for 25 years. Over the decades, Simon has guided PS&E with a philosophy that blends competitive excellence with civic responsibility, helping the NBA expand its global reach while keeping the Pacers deeply rooted in Indiana. 

Simon’s impact on women’s sports has been equally transformative. Recognizing the promise and importance of the WNBA, he brought the Indiana Fever into the league in 2000. Under his leadership, the Fever became a model franchise, capturing the 2012 WNBA championship and, most recently, inspiring a new generation of athletes with a surge of star power and record-breaking fan engagement. Simon has remained a steadfast advocate for women’s basketball, investing in the league’s growth and championing its athletes as leaders and role models. 

His commitment to inclusion is reflected in his approach to leadership. Simon has consistently worked to create opportunities for women across all levels of PS&E, from the front office to the court. He believes sports can be a powerful platform for change, and his support for initiatives that elevate women’s voices and expand access to the game reflects that belief. 

Beyond sports, Simon’s influence is deeply felt throughout Indiana. The Simon family’s philanthropic contributions span education, the arts, healthcare, and community development. From supporting local nonprofits to funding large-scale civic projects, Simon’s generosity reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening communities across the state. His approach is personal and enduring – investing not only resources but also time, relationships, and care. 

In 2024, Simon’s contributions to the sport were recognized with one of basketball’s highest honors when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The milestone underscored a career defined by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire. 

Through his leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy, Simon has shown that true success is measured not just in wins and championships, but in the opportunities created and the lives impacted along the way. 

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