Former NBA owner and Georgia real-estate developer Tom Cousins died on Tuesday at the age of 93.
Cousins was the original owner of the Atlanta Hawks, playing a pivotal role in bringing the franchise to Georgia.
The team announced his passing in a heartfelt statement, hailing Cousins for his transformative impact on the city’s sporting community.
‘The Atlanta Hawks extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tom Cousins, a visionary builder of communities, unmatched philanthropist, and a former Hawks owner who had an enduring impact on the city’s sports landscape and the geographic footprint that now makes up our thriving Downtown Atlanta region,’ the Hawks said.
‘Developed by Cousins, the original home of the Hawks – the Omni Coliseum – shaped fans, memories and downtown for a quarter of a century.’
Cousins, along with former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders, purchased the team in 1968, relocating the franchise to Atlanta from St. Louis.
Former NBA owner and Georgia real-estate developer Tom Cousins died at the age of 93
Cousins (R) along with former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders (L), bought the Hawks in 1968
The move helped cement Atlanta as a major metropolitan sports hub of the southeast of the United States.
‘We are grateful for his legacy and the countless lives he impacted,’ the Hawks’ statement added.
Cousins’ impact extended beyond the NBA. A leading real estate developer in the city, he had an enduring impact on its sports landscape and the geographic footprint that now forms Atlanta’s thriving downtown.
He was also an admired leader in the community, establishing many projects, including the revitalization of the city’s East Lake neighborhood.
In 1995, he founded the East Lake Foundation. He bought East Lake Golf Club – the home course of Bobby Jones, the greatest amateur golfer of all time – which had fallen on hard times and left to deteriorate into ruin.
Formerly located in a dangerous neighborhood, the golf course is now at the center of a rejuvenated area.
East Lake Golf Club has gone on to host multiple prestigious tournaments, including events on the PGA Tour.
It first hosted the the TOUR Championship – the season-ending even on the PGA Tour’s calendar – before becoming the event’s permanent home in 2004. This year’s edition of the tournament will mark the 25th held at East Lake.
Cousins rejuvenated East Lake Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour’s TOUR Championship
The real estate developer meet with then-Vice President Joe Biden in 2014
‘It’s difficult for me find words that adequately pay tribute to a man who, throughout his 93 years, sought to make a difference and improve the lives of those around him,’ said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan.
‘Mr. Cousins was a visionary and a man who had the unique ability to imagine what something could become and then make it happen. Our partnership with Tom and the East Lake Foundation will have a lasting impact and we look forward to honoring and celebrating him at this year’s tournament. We will miss Tom greatly and will cherish the memories we have of him. We grieve with his family and share our condolences.’
In 2002, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame inducted Cousins with the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame following suit in 2018.
More to follow.
