In a recent heartbreaking news update, the New York Liberty’s former coach, Richie Adubato, passed away at the age of 87.
The veteran coach served as coach for the Liberty and the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, and he also coached the Orlando Magic in the NBA.
Coaching for four full seasons, Adubato holds the record for games coached with the Liberty (178). The New Jersey-born coach also held the record for most wins (100) until recently, when Sandy Brondello became the New York Liberty’s All-Time winningest coach.
Richie Adubato Passes Away
Adubato served as the Liberty franchise’s second head coach from 1999 to 2004, coaching many star players, including Becky Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon. Before that, he served as assistant coach at the New York Knicks from 1882 to 1986.
The Orlando Magic shared the tragic news first on social media as they sent their condolences to the family. The post reads, “The DeVos Family and Orlando Magic are saddened to learn of the passing of Richie Adubato.”
The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic have released the following statement on the passing of Richie Adubato: pic.twitter.com/chW2Ppg0jL
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) November 7, 2025
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While he served as coach at the Orlando Magic, he even worked as a radio analyst for the team after his retirement from the coaching role.
During his tenure at the Liberty franchise from 1999 to 2004, he achieved three top-place finishes in the Eastern Conference. With the Liberty, Adubato never missed a postseason appearance and led the side to three WNBA finals before parting ways midway through the 2004 season.
The 1937-born basketball enthusiast went straight to the coaching role, starting his career with Upsala College as an assistant coach. He then served as the coach of the program for six years before taking over an NBA job with the Pistons. He then worked with the Knicks, Mavericks, Cavaliers, and Magic, leaving his legacy in every franchise with which he was associated.
WNBA And NBA World Mourns Over Passing Of Richie Adubato
The coach with over four decades of experience had a major influence on the basketball world. He coached some of the great teams and players in the NBA and WNBA. He started his career with the Pistons as an assistant coach, and he rose to the head coach position at the Dallas Mavericks (1989-1993).
Spanning his career with five different NBA and two WNBA Franchises, he retired as the Mystics coach in 2007. Franchises and players shared their condolences on social media, showing support to the family.
The NBA History highlighted Adubato’s achievements.
The NBA and WNBA mourn the passing of Richie Adubato. Richie’s coaching career spanned four decades, including serving as head coach for the Dallas Mavericks, New York Liberty and Washington Mystics, as well as interim head coach for the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. He was… pic.twitter.com/MOiaxWZ9jO
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 7, 2025
The New York basketball team also shared its condolences.
RIP Richie Adubato
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 7, 2025
Born & raised NJ
Assistant coach Knicks 1982-86
Coached Liberty to WNBA Finals 3 of first 4 seasons
Coached high school, college, NBA, WNBA & overseas
Coached Pistons, Mavs & Magic pic.twitter.com/7AlyJrZwgj
While the New York Liberty narrowed down to 3 potential candidates for the head coach position, they lost one of their own guides and decorated coaches.