Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin died today, the team announced. He was 85.
Pollin bought the Baltimore Bullets in 1964 and moved the team to the D.C. area in 1973. He changed the team’s name from "Bullets" to "Wizards" in 1996 because of the negative connotations associated with the former name.
With his wife Irene, Pollin was the majority owner of Washington Sports & Entertainment Limited Partnership, which also oversaw the operations of the Washington Wizards and the Verizon Center.
Pollin is also known for his philanthropic work. "The Pollin Award" has been awarded annually since 2002 in his honor. Awardees are chosen based on their dedication to the Washington, D.C., community and the impact they have on it.
Pollin bought the Baltimore Bullets in 1964 and moved the team to the D.C. area in 1973. He changed the team’s name from "Bullets" to "Wizards" in 1996 because of the negative connotations associated with the former name.
With his wife Irene, Pollin was the majority owner of Washington Sports & Entertainment Limited Partnership, which also oversaw the operations of the Washington Wizards and the Verizon Center.
Pollin is also known for his philanthropic work. "The Pollin Award" has been awarded annually since 2002 in his honor. Awardees are chosen based on their dedication to the Washington, D.C., community and the impact they have on it.
