The Indiana Pacers are making sure their entire organization gets to experience the excitement of the 2025 NBA Finals. In a remarkable gesture, the team is chartering a plane for all full-time employees to attend Games 1 and 2 in Oklahoma City, ensuring that staff members can support the team in person.
With the Pacers reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years, team owner Herb Simon wanted to celebrate the milestone by including the entire organization in the experience. According to reports, each employee is allowed to bring three or four guests, meaning multiple planes will be needed to accommodate the large group.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised the move, calling it an “amazing gesture” that reflects the franchise’s commitment to its employees.
“It just shows how much they care about the people in the organization,” Carlisle said.
This isn’t the first time the Pacers have prioritized their employees in major events. Earlier this year, the team funded a trip to Paris for staff members when the Pacers played the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 Paris Games. Front office admitted that the team lost money on the trip, but emphasized that the experience was worth it.
The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 set to tip off on Thursday night at Paycom Center. While the team encountered travel delays due to tornado warnings, spirits remain high as they prepare for their first Finals appearance since 2000.
