Eddie Gottlieb immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age and settled in Philadelphia. His passion for basketball began in high school when he played for the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association team.

In 1926, Gottlieb co-founded the Philadelphia Warriors, a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball League (ABL). He served as the team's coach and general manager, leading them to several ABL championships. When the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed in 1946, Gottlieb became the owner of the Warriors and played a significant role in the development of the league.

Gottlieb was a pioneer in the integration of basketball, having signed the first African American player, Wilt Chamberlain, to the Warriors in 1959. He also helped establish the first NBA All-Star Game and introduced the 24-second shot clock, which revolutionized the game and made it faster-paced and more exciting for fans.

Aside from his contributions to basketball, Gottlieb was also a prominent figure in the world of boxing. He managed several boxers, including Benny Leonard and Lew Tendler, and promoted numerous boxing matches.

Gottlieb's contributions to sports were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1972. He passed away on December 7, 1979, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that has impacted basketball and sports as a whole. His pioneering spirit, vision, and leadership have helped shape the world of sports into what it is today.

👔