OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Franklin Mieuli, who for 24 years owned the Golden State Warriors as one of the most colorful owners in the history of the NBA, has died. He was 89.
The Warriors announced in a news release that Mieuli died of natural causes Sunday in a San Francisco Bay Area hospital.
Known for his omnipresent deerstalker caps, casual attire and substantial beard, Mieuli was the principal owner of the Warriors from the time they moved to the Bay Area in 1962 until he sold them in 1986.
His teams included the 1975 NBA title winners led by Rick Barry.
NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement Sunday that Mieuli was “truly one of the innovators in our league.”
Mieuli also once owned a small percentage of the San Francisco Giants and still had a five per cent interest in the 49ers, which he purchased in 1954.
