Herb Simon, a 91-year-old real estate tycoon and sports team owner, has an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion as the long-standing owner of both the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.

Herb Simon’s journey to becoming one of the most respected team owners in professional basketball began far from the hardwood courts he now oversees. Born in Brooklyn in 1934, Simon built his fortune alongside his late brother Mel through their pioneering work in commercial real estate. The Simon Property Group, which they founded together, grew to become the largest real estate investment trust in the United States, specializing in shopping malls and Premium Outlet Centers.

In 1983, the Simon brothers made what would become a historic investment in Indiana sports when they purchased the struggling Indiana Pacers for approximately $11 million. At the time, the franchise was on the verge of being returned to the NBA due to financial difficulties. With game attendance averaging just 4,800 in a 16,000-seat arena and a dismal 20-62 record, the team’s future in Indianapolis seemed doomed until the Simons stepped in.

From Real Estate Mogul To Beloved Sports Owner

What makes Simon’s ownership style particularly notable is his hands-off approach to basketball operations. Despite his significant investment, he has consistently deferred to basketball professionals within the organization. “I know enough about basketball to know that I don’t know enough,”Simon once remarked shortly after acquiring the team.

This approach has earned him tremendous respect throughout the league. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has described Simon as “a quiet, generous, and steady leader” who “has created a family-like culture at the Pacers and has always understood the vital role the team plays in the Indianapolis community.” As of today, Simon stands as the NBA’s longest-tenured owner, his tenure predating even the careers of veteran players like LeBron James.

Beyond his business acumen, Simon’s personal life has been equally colorful. Married three times, he has a total of ten children. His current wife is Porntip Bui Nakhirunkanok, former Miss Thailand and Miss Universe 1988, with whom he has two biological children. The couple also adopted three children from Porntip’s sister after her death, adding to Simon‘s five children from his previous marriages.

Building A Basketball Legacy Beyond Net Worth

Simon’s impact on basketball extends well beyond his financial investment. Under his ownership, the Pacers have transformed from a struggling franchise into a respected organization valued at approximately $3.6 billion according to ‘Forbes‘. While the ultimate prize, an NBA championship, has remained elusive, the Pacers have maintained a strong local identity and competitive presence in the league.

His commitment to women’s basketball is equally significant as the owner of the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. Additionally, Simon has diversified his business interests beyond sports and real estate, purchasing Kirkus Reviews, the American book review magazine, in 2010.

In recognition of his four decades of contribution to professional basketball, Simon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2024. At his induction ceremony, legends like Reggie Miller, Tamika Catchings, and Larry Bird stood on stage to support the man who had provided unwavering support to their careers and the Indiana basketball community.

As Simon celebrates his 91st birthday, his legacy in basketball continues to grow, not because of his impressive net worth, but because of his genuine love for the game and the community he serves. His son Steve Simon perhaps describes his father’s philosophy best: “He has always said that Indianapolis and the state of Indiana have given him and his family more than they can ever repay.”