Jim Fitzgerald
Jim Fitzgerald made his fortune in cable television and other
industries, but he will always be best known in Wisconsin as the
principal owner of the Milwaukee Bucks during the Don Nelson era. The
Janesville native was known as an affable owner who had the sense to
leave the basketball to the basketball people, but also provided strong
leadership for the overall operation from the top.
"Fitz" and
Nelson had a handshake agreement for their years together. It worked
well, as the Bucks made the playoffs year after year. Fitzgerald also
was one of the founders of Sportsvue cable network. After selling the
Bucks, Fitgerald bought the Golden State Warriors in the Bay area,
where he again teamed with Nelson.