Nick Mileti, who played a crucial role in establishing the Cleveland Cavaliers and became a prominent figure in the city’s sporting scene in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 93. He peacefully passed away in his sleep on Wednesday in Rocky River, Ohio, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Cleveland Guardians, one of the teams that Mileti previously owned.
The son of Sicilian immigrants, Mileti rose to become one of the most influential people in the city after purchasing the Cleveland Barons, a minor league hockey team, and the Cleveland Arena in 1968. He was also a key member of ownership groups that were responsible for acquiring or creating other sports franchises. In 1970, Mileti and his partners successfully brought the NBA to Cleveland by selling shares of the newly formed Cavaliers at $5 each, raising $2.25 million to cover the $3.7 million expansion fee.
The Cavaliers paid tribute to Mileti’s pioneering efforts in a statement, saying, “Nick was not just a leader, but a dreamer who turned his vision into reality for countless Cleveland fans. He played a significant role in shaping the history of sports in Cleveland, and his passion and dedication will be greatly missed.” Mileti also acquired a controlling stake in the city’s Major League Baseball team, then known as the Indians, in 1972, alongside future U.S. Senator Howard Metzenbaum. He was instrumental in the construction of the Richfield Coliseum, which served as the home of the Cavs from 1974 to 1994.
In 1972, Mileti also purchased a World Hockey Association franchise, which he relocated from Calgary to Cleveland and renamed the Crusaders. He also owned two of the city’s largest radio stations. However, in 1975, he was forced to step down as the president of the Indians and sell his shares in the team due to pressure from banks. The Crusaders folded in 1976 when an NHL team moved into the city, and Mileti sold his stake in the Cavaliers in 1980. However, he eventually returned to the sports industry.
After moving to California in 1979 to produce and finance stage productions and films, he established the Las Vegas Posse of the Canadian Football League, owned multiple radio stations, and wrote three books. Nevertheless, Mileti’s influence in Cleveland persisted. In 2019, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Cavaliers’ Wall of Honor as part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration. During the ceremony, he was also honoured with an NBA championship ring from the Cavs’ first title-winning team in 2015-16.
Former Cavs star Jim Chones stated, “I have often heard people say, ‘It’s not about how long you live, but what you live for.’ Nick lived a long life because he touched many through his mission to make Cleveland great again. His voice was soft but assertive, commanding attention. He loved Cleveland, and Cleveland loved him.”
