🎉 CONGRATULATIONS!!! The Rumors Have Finally Come To Pass – Former Indiana Hoosiers Guard A.J. Ratliff Officially Joins Indiana Pacers as Co-Owner!
June 16, 2025 – BREAKING NEWS FROM ESPN
The whispers, speculation, and mounting anticipation have finally culminated in an astonishing headline today: Former Indiana Hoosiers standout A.J. Ratliff has been formally announced as the new co-owner of the Indiana Pacers, confirming rumors that have been circulating for months. In a bold and unprecedented move, Ratliff, known for his explosive performances on the court during his college days, is now making history off the hardwood.
The announcement was made live on ESPN during a special segment dedicated to Indiana sports legends. Standing proud in front of a bronze statue recently unveiled in his honor, Ratliff, now 39, smiled as he hoisted a symbolic ownership trophy—a moment representing not only his legacy as a player but his rising influence as a basketball entrepreneur.
👑 From Guard to Governor: A Monumental Journey
Ratliff’s journey began in Bloomington, where he wore the No. 32 jersey with pride for the Indiana Hoosiers. A fierce competitor, a defensive specialist, and a crowd favorite, Ratliff carved a name for himself as one of the most passionate and dedicated players in the program’s history. Despite not enjoying a lengthy NBA career, his impact on the game never faded. He pursued coaching, youth mentorship, and community investment—all while keeping a keen eye on opportunities to make a long-term difference in the sport he loved.
And now, he’s done just that.
Sources close to the Pacers organization reveal that Ratliff secured a 40% ownership stake after negotiating a multi-year investment deal with the Pacers’ leadership and strategic partners. The move makes him one of the youngest and few former NCAA athletes to ascend to ownership at the professional level.
🏛️ What This Means for the Indiana Pacers
With Ratliff joining the ownership group, the Indiana Pacers are expected to undergo a cultural and structural shift that embraces grassroots development, fan engagement, and local investment. His voice will be pivotal in team decisions, branding strategies, and community relations.
“I’m not just here to sit in a box seat and watch. I’m here to shape this franchise into something unforgettable,” Ratliff said during the press conference. “Indiana basketball is in my blood—and it’s time to elevate it.”
🔵 Legacy Cemented in Bronze
To commemorate this historical moment, a statue of A.J. Ratliff—depicting him raising a championship trophy—was unveiled outside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, joining the legendary figures of Indiana basketball history. Crowds gathered in celebration, chanting his name as fireworks lit up the Indianapolis sky.
🚨 FULL DETAILS TO COME…
As fans and media outlets scramble to gather the full scope of this blockbuster development, one thing is crystal clear: A.J. Ratliff is no longer just a basketball player. He’s a mogul, a visionary, and a symbol of Indiana’s basketball soul.
Stay tuned to ESPN and local Indiana news outlets for the exclusive interview, ownership breakdown, and what this means for the Pacers’ upcoming NBA season. The revolution is he
re—and it starts with No. 32.
