The Spurs and coach Gregg Popovich have reportedly agreed to a long-term contract extension, the organization announced in a statement on Saturday.
Popovich, who is the winningest head coach in league history, will remain under contract in San Antonio for an additional five seasons after coming to terms on a new deal. He’ll continue to serve as both the Spurs’ head coach and the team’s President of Basketball Operations.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Popovich’s new five-year deal is reportedly worth more than $80 million, making him the highest-paid head coach in the league.
“Popovich is President of Basketball Operations and head coach, so it’s possible his new deal allows him to earn out the contract even if he doesn’t coach the full five years of the deal,” wrote Wojnarowski.
Popovich is the oldest head coach in the NBA, but it doesn’t appear he’s ready to drift off into retirement just yet. The 74-year-old is now locked in to oversee the entirety of No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama’s rookie deal with the Spurs.
The rookie center, who is widely considered to be a generational talent, struggled during his Summer League debut on Friday, but enters the NBA with high expectations.
Popovich, who is also the longest-tenured head coach in American pro sports, having been at the helm in San Antonio since the 1996–97 season, is set to enter his 28th season as the Spurs’ head coach in 2023–24.
