CLEVELAND — Nick Mileti, who helped found the Cleveland Cavaliers and became a prominent figure in the city’s sports landscape in the 1970s, has died. He was 93.

Mileti died in his sleep Wednesday in Rocky River, Ohio, according to a spokesman for the Cleveland Guardians, one of several teams Mileti once owned.

The son of Sicilian immigrants emerged as one of the city’s true powerbrokers after purchasing a minor league hockey team, the Cleveland Barons, and the Cleveland Arena in 1968.

He became a key figure in ownership groups that started purchasing or founding other franchises. In 1970, they brought the NBA to Cleveland by selling shares of the expansion-team Cavaliers at $5 each to raise $2.25 million and cover the $3.7 million expansion fee.

“A true pioneer in the world of sports, Nick was not just a leader; he was a dreamer who transformed that dream into reality for countless fans in Cleveland,” the Cavaliers said in a statement. “Nick Mileti changed the course of Cleveland sports history, and his passion and commitment will be deeply missed.”

He purchased controlling interest in 1972 in the city’s Major League Baseball franchise, then named the Indians, as part of a group that included future U.S. Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, and he helped oversee construction of the Richfield Coliseum, where the Cavs played from 1974-94.

Mileti also bought a World Hockey Association franchise in 1972 and moved it from Calgary to Cleveland, renaming the franchise the Crusaders, and owned two of the city’s largest radio stations.

He was replaced as Indians president in 1975 and, under pressure from banks, sold his stakes in the team. The Crusaders ceased operations in 1976 after an NHL team moved into town, and Mileti sold his stake in the Cavaliers in 1980.

Eventually, though, Mileti got back into the sports business.

After moving to California in 1979 to help produce and finance plays and movies, he founded the Canadian Football League’s Las Vegas Posse, owned multiple radio stations and wrote three books.

But Mileti’s influence in Cleveland continued.

He was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the Cavaliers’ Wall of Honor in 2019 — part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration — and was rewarded during that ceremony with an NBA championship ring from the Cavs’ first title team in 2015-16.

“I have often heard people say, ‘It’s not how long you live, but what you live for,’” former Cavs star Jim Chones said. “Nick was rewarded with longevity because he touched many in his mission to make Cleveland great again. His voice was soft but confident, demanding attention. He loved Cleveland, and Cleveland loved him.”

Nick Mileti, a prominent figure in the world of sports ownership, has passed away at the age of 93. Mileti was known for his ownership of multiple professional sports teams, including NBA, MLB, and CFL franchises.

Mileti’s career in sports ownership began in the 1970s when he purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Under his ownership, the Cavaliers experienced success on the court and became a beloved team in the city of Cleveland. Mileti’s passion for basketball and dedication to the team helped to establish a strong fan base that continues to support the Cavaliers to this day.

In addition to owning the Cavaliers, Mileti also owned the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. His ownership of these teams further solidified his reputation as a successful sports entrepreneur.

Throughout his career, Mileti was known for his innovative approach to sports ownership. He was one of the first owners to introduce luxury suites and premium seating options in sports venues, revolutionizing the fan experience at games. Mileti’s commitment to providing top-notch amenities for fans helped to increase attendance and revenue for his teams.

In addition to his contributions to the world of sports ownership, Mileti was also a philanthropist who supported numerous charitable causes throughout his life. He was known for his generosity and dedication to giving back to the community.

Mileti’s passing is a loss for the sports world, but his legacy will live on through the teams he owned and the impact he had on the industry. He will be remembered as a trailblazer in sports ownership and a beloved figure in the Cleveland sports community. Rest in peace, Nick Mileti.