By ,
Published February 05, 2015
Memphis, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - Former Memphis Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley died Saturday.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Heisley's death during an evening press conference at FedExForum in Memphis.
Heisley, 77, was hospitalized last year after suffering a stroke shortly after returning from the NBA All-Star Game, the Commercial Appeal reported at the time.
"He was a longtime friend of the league and a wonderful owner, a terrific friend," Silver said.
He bought the Vancouver Grizzlies in 2000 before the team moved to Memphis in 2001 and sold the franchise in 2012 to a group led by current owner Robert J. Pera.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-grizzlies-owner-heisley-dies