Richie Adubato, a longtime NBA and WNBA coach who had a notable stint with the New York Liberty, passed away Thursday at the age of 87, his family announced in a social media post on Friday.
Adubato served as the Liberty franchise’s second head coach from 1999 to 2004, where he coached future Hall of Famers Becky Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon. During his tenure, he led the team to a 100-78 record across parts of six seasons and guided them to three WNBA Finals appearances before being relieved of his duties midway through the 2004 season.
He still holds the record for most games coached with the Liberty and ranks second in career wins behind Sandy Brondello, who departed the team following the 2025 season.
Adubato’s time with the Liberty came near the end of an illustrious coaching career that spanned nearly 40 years. His journey began at Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey, a now-defunct Division III school, where he coached for a decade. The New Jersey native then transitioned to the NBA, landing an assistant coaching position with the Detroit Pistons for the 1978-79 season before stepping in as interim head coach the following year.
Over the next two decades, Adubato held several coaching roles in the NBA with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Dallas Mavericks. He served as the Mavericks’ head coach from 1989 to 1993. Before moving to the WNBA, Adubato also had a brief head coaching stint with the Orlando Magic during the 1996-97 season, leading the team to a 21-12 record.
In a tribute posted on X, the NBA stated, “The NBA and WNBA mourn the passing of Richie Adubato. 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. He was also a dedicated radio analyst for Magic games for 15 years. We extend our deepest condolences to the Adubato family.”
Adubato remained closely connected to the Orlando Magic after his coaching days, working as a radio analyst for their games from 2005 through 2020. The team’s ownership, the DeVos family, expressed their sadness at his passing. In a statement shared with the Orlando Sentinel, they said, “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 added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol, and the entire Adubato family.”
Richie Adubato’s impact on basketball, both in the NBA and WNBA, as well as his dedication to the sport and its community, will be remembered fondly by players, colleagues, and fans alike.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/07/sports/richie-adubato-former-liberty-and-nba-coach-dead-at-87/
