Richie Adubato, a longtime basketball coach who led the New York Liberty to three WNBA Finals, has died at age 87. His family announced his passing on social media, following his death on Thursday. Adubato's career spanned decades in the NBA and WNBA, including stints with multiple teams.
Richie Adubato, known for his coaching roles in both the NBA and WNBA, passed away on Thursday at the age of 87, according to a family announcement on social media Friday.
Before entering professional basketball, Adubato spent 18 years coaching high school and college teams in New Jersey. He graduated from William Paterson University, where he captained both the basketball and baseball teams.
Adubato's NBA career included serving as interim head coach for the Detroit Pistons during the 1979-80 season and as head coach for the Dallas Mavericks from 1989 to 1993. He later joined the Orlando Magic as an assistant coach, becoming interim head coach in 1997, and served as the team's radio analyst from 2005 to 2020.
In the WNBA, Adubato coached the New York Liberty from 1999 to 2004, guiding the team to three Finals appearances. He holds the franchise record for most games coached with 178 and ranks second in career wins with 100, behind Sandy Brondello. During his tenure, he worked with future Hall of Famers Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon.
He also served as head coach for the Washington Mystics.
Tributes poured in from the basketball community. Adubato's daughter, Beth, wrote on social media: “Let’s remember him as the funny, smart, energetic, genuinely warm human being he always was.”
The New York Liberty stated: “With deep gratitude we remember the legacy of Richie Adubato, who guided the Liberty to 3 WNBA Finals appearances and set a standard of excellence that still inspires our organization today.”
The Orlando Magic expressed: “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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol, and the entire Adubato family.”
The NBA posted: “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.”