Orlando Magic senior chairman Richard DeVos, who has owned the franchise since 1991, died this morning at age 92, the team announced on its website. “Complications from an infection” was listed as the cause of death.
DeVos, who made his fortune as a co-founder of Amway, purchased the team for $85MM. The Magic are currently worth $1.225 billion, according to the latest Forbes report. He turned to the NBA after a failed bid to bring a Major League Baseball expansion team to Orlando and owned three teams in the International Hockey League as well.
The Magic won five division championships and made two trips to the NBA Finals with DeVos as owner. An author and philanthropist, he was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2016.
“Mr. DeVos’ boundless generosity, inspirational leadership and infectious enthusiasm will always be remembered,” said Alex Martins, chief executive officer for the Magic. “Simply, he was the team’s No. 1 cheerleader and the best owner that a Magic fan could ever want for their team. When the DeVos Family purchased the Magic, his vision was that the team and organization would serve as a platform to improve the Central Florida community. That legacy will certainly live on, both in the Orlando Magic’s community efforts and philanthropic contributions, as well as in the way we strive to play the game with passion, a strong work ethic and integrity, while also bringing people together from all walks of life.”