How Many Nba Owners Are From Michigan? A Look At The State’S Influence On The League

We’ve got five NBA owners who hail from the great state of Michigan! Steve Ballmer, Dan Gilbert, Dan DeVos, Mat Ishbia, and Tom Gores are all Michigan natives who have achieved incredible success in the business world and brought their talents to the NBA. These are just a few of the many successful individuals from Michigan who have made their mark on the world. It’s no surprise that Michigan has such a strong presence in the NBA, given its rich basketball history and passionate fan base.

Here’s a little more about each of these successful Michigan natives:

Steve Ballmer (Los Angeles Clippers): Ballmer was born in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan. He is a former CEO of Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest people in the world. He bought the Clippers in 2014 and has been a vocal advocate for the team’s success.

Dan Gilbert (Cleveland Cavaliers): Gilbert is a Detroit native who founded the mortgage company Quicken Loans. He purchased the Cavaliers in 2005 and has been a driving force behind the team’s recent success, including their 2016 NBA championship.

Dan DeVos (Orlando Magic): DeVos was born in Grand Rapids and is the son of Amway co-founder Richard DeVos. He is the president of the DeVos family’s business interests and has been a part-owner of the Magic since 1991.

Mat Ishbia (Phoenix Suns): Ishbia, born in Flint, is the chairman and CEO of mortgage lender United Wholesale Mortgage. He bought the Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury in 2023, becoming the youngest owner in NBA history at age 44.

Tom Gores (Detroit Pistons): Gores, who grew up in Flint, is the founder and CEO of private equity firm Platinum Equity. He purchased the Pistons in 2011 and has been working to rebuild the franchise into a contender.

These five individuals represent a diverse range of industries and businesses, but they all share a common bond as successful Michigan natives. They have all contributed significantly to the success of their respective NBA teams and have helped to raise the profile of Michigan on a national stage. Their stories are a testament to the talent and ambition that can be found in the state of Michigan, and they are sure to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.