Mike Storen facts for kids

Mark "Mike" Storen Jr. (September 14, 1935 – May 7, 2020) was an important American sports leader. He worked in basketball, baseball, and football. Mike Storen helped shape professional basketball, especially with the American Basketball Association (ABA). He played a big part in the ABA joining forces with the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Early Life and Education

Mike Storen was born on September 14, 1935, in Michigan City, Indiana. He grew up there and later went to the University of Notre Dame. While at Notre Dame, he played defensive back on their football team for a year. After college, he joined the Marines. He even helped with their famous Toys for Tots program.

A Career in Sports Management

Mike Storen's journey in sports began in the early 1960s. He started as a ticket seller for the NBA team, the Chicago Zephyrs. When the team moved to Baltimore in 1963, he stayed with them. He quickly moved up to become their promotions director. Later, he worked as a business manager for the Cincinnati Royals.

Leading the Indiana Pacers

In 1967, Storen became the first vice president and general manager of the Indiana Pacers. This team was part of the ABA. He helped choose the team's name, colors, and even their first logo. Under his leadership, the Pacers brought in great talent. They hired Bobby Leonard as coach and signed future Hall of Famers like Roger Brown and Mel Daniels. The Pacers became very successful. They won three championships and reached the finals five times during their nine seasons in the ABA.

Working with the Kentucky Colonels

In 1969, Mike Storen and others bought the Kentucky Colonels, another ABA team. Storen became the team's president and general manager. He left the Colonels in 1973. This was because the team's owner, John Y. Brown, Jr., wanted to be more involved in daily operations. Storen had some disagreements with local reporters. This happened after he fired the team's coach, Gene Rhodes, who was popular with the media.

Becoming ABA Commissioner

In 1973, Mike Storen became the commissioner of the ABA. He had a big idea: to recruit talented college players who hadn't graduated yet. This helped the league become more exciting. It also pushed for the ABA–NBA merger in 1976. After his time as commissioner, Storen became an owner of the Memphis Sounds team. He owned it with famous people like Isaac Hayes and Kemmons Wilson. The team was later sold and became the Baltimore Claws. In 1977, Storen became the president and general manager of the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.

Later Career in Sports

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Storen continued his work in sports. He served as commissioner for other basketball leagues. These included the Continental Basketball Association and the Global Basketball Association. He also worked for the Indoor Professional Football League. His last job in sports was with the Georgia Force in 2002.

Family Life

Mike Storen had three children from his first marriage: Mark, Duke, and Hannah. He also had two stepdaughters from his second marriage to Lynn. His daughter, Hannah Storm, is a well-known sports reporter for ESPN. She also went to Notre Dame, like her father. Mike Storen had 14 grandchildren. He was also related to Major League Baseball player Drew Storen.

Death and Legacy

Mike Storen passed away on May 7, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 84 years old and had been battling a rare form of cancer. His daughter Hannah shared the news on social media. The Indiana Pacers team shared their sadness. They said it was "impossible to overstate the impact" he had on their team. They praised him for choosing the team's name, logo, and colors. They also thanked him for building the team's staff and players. The Pacers said he created "the foundation for the tradition of success the Pacers maintain to this day."