The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, competing in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), the Pacers were established by a group of Indianapolis investors who named the team to honor Indiana’s rich racing heritage, including the Indianapolis 500 and harness racing[1][2][3]. They quickly became a dominant force in the ABA, winning three league championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973 and making five ABA Finals appearances during the league’s nine-year existence, marking them as the most successful ABA franchise[1][2][3]. Coached by Bob “Slick” Leonard from 1968 to 1980, the team was powered by stars such as Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, and George McGinnis, who helped forge a legacy of excellence. The Pacers’ strong fan support and competitive success contributed to their seamless transition into the NBA in 1976 alongside three other ABA teams[1][2][4]. In the NBA era, the Pacers have remained competitive, highlighted by a steady presence in the playoffs since the late 1980s, with notable periods under players like Reggie Miller and more recently Tyrese Haliburton[3][4][5]. The team is part of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, led by Herb Simon and his son Stephen Simon, which manages not only the NBA team but also a WNBA franchise, the NBA 2K League Pacers Gaming, and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA G League, highlighting the organization’s commitment to innovation and community engagement[4]. As of the 2025-26 season, the Pacers are poised to build on their recent successes, having posted solid records in previous seasons (50-32 in 2024-25), reflecting a competitive and evolving franchise that blends rich history with a forward-looking business and sports strategy[5][6