The plot thickens in the NBA offseason! Gregg Popovich, the absolute GOAT of the sidelines, officially tied the knot last week with Mary Barth Budenholzer. If that last name sounds familiar, you’re not tripping—she is the former wife of Mike Budenholzer, who spent years grinding as Popovich’s longtime assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs.
According to a marriage license from Bexar County, the pair said 'I do' on September 16 in Texas.
A legendary connection
Popovich and Budenholzer have major history. They secured four NBA championships together during their time in San Antonio between 1999 and 2007, before Budenholzer moved on to lead squads like the Hawks, Bucks, and Suns. Popovich, who is now 77, officially hung up his whistle in 2025 after a massive 29-season run. He currently sits as the NBA's all-time wins leader with a final record of 1,390-824.
Since stepping down from coaching, Popovich has been running the show as the Spurs' president of basketball operations.
Why it matters
It’s a massive life update for one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. Seeing the guy who defined the Spurs' culture for nearly three decades enter a new chapter post-retirement is definitely giving main character energy.
