Tom Cousins, a long-time real estate developer, philanthropist and owner of the Hawks who took the Hawks from St. Louis to Atlanta, passed away at the age of 93.
Atlanta Hawks Call Tom Cousins a Transformative Leader
The following statement is published on behalf of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena:
“The Atlanta Hawks extend our heartfelt confidences to the family and friends of Tom Cousins, a visionary builder of communities, unmatched philanthropist, and a former Hawks owner who had an enduring impact on the city’s sports landscape and the geographic footprint that now makes up our thriving Downtown Atlanta region. Developed by Cousins, the original home of the Hawks – the Omni Coliseum – shaped fans, memories and downtown for a quarter century.
“Mr. Cousins, along with former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders, purchased and moved the Eagle from St. Louis to Atlanta in 1968 and identified Atlanta as the main metropolitan sports city and hub in the southeast. He is also a transformative leader in the community, with many of their projects including the revitalization of the East Lake community in Atlanta.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tom Cousins, a visionary community builder, an unrivalled philanthropist and a former Hawks owner who has had a lasting impact on the city’s sporting landscape and what now forms our geographical footprint, which now forms our… pic.twitter.com/bxl9k0ssbz
— Atlanta Hawks (@atlhawks) July 30, 2025
Egbert LJ Perry, CEO and chairman of real estate developer Integral Group, said Cousins is one of the most influential real estate developers of his generation. ”
“His contribution to Atlanta’s growth is well known, but his legacy also reflects the willingness to accept new ideas and use his platform to advance them,” Perry said.
Cousin took NHL to Atlanta and bought East Lake Golf Club
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens added that the cousin’s values helped shape modern Atlanta.
“A confident person loves his family and his legacy will continue to serve as a coaching pole to guide Atlanta’s leadership and should be in Atlanta,” he said.
When the Atlanta Flames became the league’s first Southern Team in 1972.
In addition, Cousins purchased the Atlanta Chiefs Football Club from the Braves in 1973.
In 1993, the cousins were awarded the Bill Hartman Award, which was presented to a former University of Georgia student-athlete who performed well in his career.
Two years later, Cousins bought the East Lake Golf Club and restored it to its former glory. He also helped build East Lake as the permanent home of the PGA Tour.
On March 8, 2010, Cousins presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Atlanta Sports Awards for bringing the sports team to Atlanta.
