News Summary
District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez has proposed renaming the San Antonio International Airport to honor former Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich. The proposal recognizes Popovich’s immense contributions to the city and aims to celebrate his legacy. The Governance Committee is set to discuss the name change, which comes after recent city council elections. Despite retiring from coaching, Popovich will remain with the Spurs as president of basketball operations. Several councilors have co-signed the proposal, showing widespread support among city leaders.
San Antonio, Texas – District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez has formally proposed renaming the San Antonio International Airport to honor Gregg Popovich, the former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. This request was submitted on May 14, 2025, in recognition of Popovich’s significant contributions to the city and its global recognition.
Popovich is widely regarded as the NBA’s winningest coach, having led the Spurs to five championships over his nearly three-decade career. His impact on the city is described as “immeasurable,” with Pelaez attributing much of the success and recognition associated with San Antonio to Popovich’s leadership. The proposal to rename the airport aims to commemorate Popovich’s legacy and mark the city’s appreciation for his contributions.
The San Antonio City Council’s Governance Committee is scheduled to discuss the name change proposal, although the exact date for the meeting has yet to be determined. This delay follows recent city council elections, which have led to transitions among council members. The new mayor and city council members are expected to be sworn in by June 18, 2025.
Popovich’s retirement from coaching was announced on May 2, 2025, after a health setback that included a stroke he experienced in November 2024. Despite stepping down from his coaching position, he will remain with the Spurs as the president of basketball operations, continuing to influence the organization and the game of basketball.
In addition to Pelaez, several councilors, including Sukh Kaur, Adriana Rocha Garcia, Teri Castillo, and John Courage, have co-signed the proposal, showing broad support among city leaders for this recognition of Popovich.
Popovich’s career achievements are extensive, including coaching numerous notable players throughout his tenure with the Spurs and securing gold medals with the U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team. His coaching style and commitment to the game have not only garnered respect within the NBA but have also established him as a significant figure in the broader sports community.
The proposed name change for the San Antonio International Airport reflects a growing trend among cities to honor local sports figures who have made lasting impacts on their communities. As discussions continue, the outcome of this proposal may serve as a pivotal moment in acknowledging the legacy of one of the sport’s most respected figures.
As San Antonio prepares to welcome new leadership, the city’s commitment to honoring local icons remains strong. The outcome of the proposal to rename the airport will be closely watched as city officials work to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Gregg Popovich to both the Spurs and the city of San Antonio.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Express News: Gregg Popovich San Antonio Airport
- Wikipedia: Gregg Popovich
- Spectrum Local News: Proposal Introduced to Rename Airport
- Google Search: Gregg Popovich San Antonio Airport
- Sports Illustrated: Councilman Files Request
- Google Scholar: Gregg Popovich
- Fox LA: Formal Request to Rename Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gregg Popovich
- NBC New York: Councilman Proposal
- Google News: Gregg Popovich
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
