History of Bill Davidson (businessman) in Timeline

William "Bill" Davidson (1922-2009) was an American businessman best known as the owner of several major North American professional sports teams, including the Detroit Pistons (NBA), Detroit Shock (WNBA), and Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). His ownership oversaw periods of significant success for these franchises. Beyond sports, Davidson was the president, chairman, and CEO of Guardian Industries, a leading global manufacturer of glass and automotive products. His business acumen led to substantial wealth and influence, and his contributions to basketball earned him a posthumous induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 5, 1922: William Davidson's birth

On December 5, 1922, William Morse Davidson was born. He later became a prominent American businessman.

1940: Graduation from Central High School and enrollment at University of Michigan

In 1940, Davidson graduated from Central High School and subsequently enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he joined the track and field team and majored in business.

1941: Fred Zollner founded the Pistons in Fort Wayne, Indiana

In 1941, Fred Zollner founded the Pistons in Fort Wayne, Indiana before moving the team to Detroit in 1957.

1949: Davidson earns Juris Doctor degree

In 1949, Davidson earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School.

1957: Davidson takes over Guardian Glass Co.

In 1957, Davidson took over his family's Guardian Glass Co., the same year the company declared bankruptcy. This company became the precursor to Guardian Industries.

1957: Pistons moved to Detroit

In 1957, the Pistons moved from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Detroit, although they never turned a profit since the move to Detroit.

1965: Guardian Industries faces lawsuits

In 1965, Guardian Industries was sued, marking the beginning of at least six lawsuits faced by the company between 1965 and 1988.

1974: Davidson bids on Tampa expansion franchise

In 1974, Davidson, along with Oscar Feldman and Joe Schmidt, attempted to bid on the Tampa expansion football franchise but withdrew due to the rising expansion fee.

1974: Davidson purchases the Detroit Pistons

In late 1974, Davidson purchased the Detroit Pistons from Fred Zollner for $6 million after Zollner decided to sell the team.

1975: Davidson active in selection of NBA Commissioner Larry O'Brien

In 1975, Davidson was active on several committees, including the one that selected former NBA Commissioner Larry O'Brien.

1978: Pistons relocate to Pontiac Silverdome

In 1978, Davidson relocated the Detroit Pistons to the Pontiac Silverdome.

1988: Guardian Industries faces lawsuits

By 1988, Guardian Industries had been sued at least six times since 1965, highlighting a period of legal challenges for the company.

1988: Pistons relocate to The Palace of Auburn Hills

In 1988, Davidson relocated the Detroit Pistons to The Palace of Auburn Hills, the first NBA arena financed entirely with private funds.

1988: Commissioning of "The Wetsmans: Odyssey of an American Family" book

In 1988, William M. Davidson commissioned the book "The Wetsmans: Odyssey of an American Family", which details the history of the Wetsmans family.

1989: Founding of Pistons/Palace Foundation

In 1989, Davidson was one of the founders of the Pistons/Palace Foundation, a charity that has donated more than $20 million in cash and merchandise since its inception.

1989: Guardian ordered to pay Johns Manville

In 1989, Guardian Industries was ordered to pay its competitor, Johns Manville, $38 million for stealing fibreglass-making technology, marking a significant legal and financial setback.

1989: Detroit Pistons win NBA Finals

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons, owned by Bill Davidson, won the NBA Finals.

1990: Detroit Pistons win NBA Finals

In 1990, Bill Davidson's Detroit Pistons secured another victory, winning the NBA Finals.

1992: William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan created

In 1992, the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan was created with a $30 million gift from Davidson to assist in developing market economies worldwide.

1995: Marriage to Karen Weidman

In 1995, Davidson married his fourth wife, Karen Weidman, who converted to Judaism upon their marriage.

1995: Partnership to Adopt and Renovate Parks for Kids (PARK) Program established

In 1995, the Pistons/Palace Foundation partnered with the City of Detroit's Parks and Recreation Department to establish the Partnership to Adopt and Renovate Parks for Kids (PARK) Program, which provided restoration of Detroit parks and related facilities.

1997: Honored by Council of Michigan Foundations and listed as one of America's most generous donors

In 1997, Davidson was honored by the Council of Michigan Foundations for his lifelong philanthropic efforts and was listed as one of America's most generous donors in a New York Times article.

1997: Detroit Vipers win Turner Cup

In 1997, the Detroit Vipers, which Bill Davidson owned, won the Turner Cup.

1998: Purchase of Roundball Two aircraft

In the summer of 1998, Davidson purchased Roundball Two, a newer, larger, multimillion-dollar aircraft refurbished with 42 luxury seats and a state-of-the-art video system, for his team.

1999: Davidson acquires Tampa Bay Lightning

In 1999, Davidson acquired the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise after an unsuccessful initial bid, purchasing it from Art Williams and Palace Sports at a $100 million price.

1999: Davidson establishes Davidson Institute of Science Education

In 1999, Davidson gave $20 million to establish the Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.

2003: Detroit Shock win WNBA Finals

In 2003, the Detroit Shock, owned by Davidson, won the WNBA Finals.

2004: Detroit Pistons win NBA Finals and Tampa Bay Lightning win Stanley Cup

In 2004, Davidson's Detroit Pistons won the NBA Finals. His Tampa Bay Lightning also won the Stanley Cup.

2004: Tampa Bay Lightning win Stanley Cup

In 2004, Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup under Davidson's ownership.

2006: Detroit Shock win WNBA Finals

In 2006, Bill Davidson's Detroit Shock achieved victory by winning the WNBA Finals.

2006: Davidson honored by the Pistons

In 2006, the Pistons honored Davidson with a banner next to the team's retired numbers and placed his name on the Palace floor alongside Pistons legends.

March 2007: Davidson donates to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital

In March 2007, Davidson donated $75 million to the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.

August 7, 2007: Davidson sells Tampa Bay Lightning franchise

On August 7, 2007, Davidson sold the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise.

2008: Davidson elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2008, Davidson was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor for his successes as an owner of the Pistons and Shock. He was also an inaugural inductee into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

2008: Detroit Shock win WNBA Finals

In 2008, Davidson's Detroit Shock won the WNBA Finals again.

March 13, 2009: William Davidson's Death

On March 13, 2009, William Morse Davidson passed away. He was a notable American businessman, owner of sports teams, and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

2009: Value of Pistons franchise estimated at over $430 million

In 2009, the value of the Pistons franchise was estimated to be over $430 million. Davidson repeatedly stated that he would never sell the Pistons and that the franchise would remain in his family after his death.

2011: Sale of Palace Sports & Entertainment to Tom Gores

In 2011, Karen Davidson, William Davidson's widow, sold all of Palace Sports & Entertainment, including the Pistons franchise, to Platinum Equity founder Tom Gores for a reported $325 million.