Share How Much Did Bill Davidson Buy The Pistons For?

Bill Davidson, a successful businessman, acquired the Detroit Pistons in 1974 for $6 million. This deal came about because Davidson and the Pistons’ previous owner, Fred Zollner, had a shared connection. They both had vacation homes in Golden Beach, Florida, which led to a friendly relationship and eventually a successful business negotiation.

Let’s delve a bit deeper into the context of this purchase. In the early 1970s, the Pistons were a struggling team. They had not made the playoffs since 1970 and were experiencing financial difficulties. Zollner, who had owned the team since 1957, was ready to move on. Davidson, with his business acumen and passion for basketball, saw an opportunity to revitalize the franchise. He believed in the potential of the team and was willing to invest in its future.

The $6 million purchase price may seem like a small amount in today’s NBA market, but it was a significant sum in the 1970s. It demonstrated Davidson’s commitment to the Pistons, and it laid the foundation for a period of success that would follow. He quickly made changes to the team, hiring a new coach and drafting young talent. This strategic approach would eventually lead to a resurgence of the Pistons, culminating in the 1980s NBA championship era.