Popovich weds ex‑assistant Mike Budenholzer’s former wife in Texas

Gregg Popovich, the former San Antonio Spurs head coach, officially tied the knot with Mary Barth Budenholzer on September 16, 2026. The wedding took place in Bexar County, Texas, as shown by the marriage license filed there.

Both parties exchanged rings and celebrated the union in a private ceremony.

Mary was once married to Mike Budenholzer, who worked under Popovich as an assistant from 1996 to 2013 before moving on to coach the Atlanta Hawks. While with the Spurs, she helped craft five championship‑winning teams that also carried Popovich’s name. The couple had been close professionally for nearly two decades.

Popovich’s new marriage follows several personal turning points: his first wife, Erin, passed away in 2018 after a severe illness; Mary divorced Mike in 2016; and the former head coach has recently re‑entered a public romance with his ex‑assistant’s spouse.

## Background & Context

Popovich’s coaching career spans more than three decades, highlighted by five NBA titles with the Spurs. Mike Budenholzer spent almost twenty years as Popovich’s right‑hand man, contributing to the same championship runs that earned both men acclaim.

Mary Barth Budenholzer has long been a behind‑the‑scenes presence at Spurs games, and she and Popovich were seen attending matches together during the 2025–26 season.

After Mary’s divorce, Budenholzer entered a new relationship of his own. The Spurs organization released no comment regarding the marriage, choosing instead to focus on the team's ongoing season.

### Fan Reaction

Word of the wedding spread quickly through social media, prompting a flurry of comments from longtime Spurs fans. Many expressed admiration for the couple’s long‑standing partnership and praised their professionalism in keeping personal matters private while remaining integral to the basketball community.

Others shared fond memories of Mary’s supportive presence at games, recalling her as an indispensable part of the Spurs’ culture. A number of fans also noted the emotional resonance, given Popovich’s history with Erin and his steady leadership over the years.

### Industry Impact

Within the broader NBA ecosystem, this union has sparked discussion about the blurred lines between personal relationships and professional hierarchies. While Popovich retired from coaching in 2022, his influence continues through mentorship roles and advisory positions across the league.

Mary’s background in operations and community outreach positions her to potentially shape future initiatives for player development and fan engagement.

The marriage also underscores how long‑term collaborations within a franchise can evolve into lasting personal bonds, setting a subtle precedent for other teams seeking to cultivate close-knit coaching staffs.

The Spurs themselves remain focused on their current roster, with a renewed emphasis on integrating younger talent into the veteran‑led squad. While the organization has not issued an official statement, insiders suggest that the new partnership will be welcomed for its continuity and deep-rooted understanding of the Spurs’ core values.

## What Happens Next

No official statements have been issued by the Spurs regarding the marriage, leaving the organization’s stance ambiguous. Popovich and Mary have not announced any public plans beyond celebrating their wedding day.

Observers note that both parties appear poised to transition into a new chapter of personal life while maintaining their professional ties to basketball.

The union marks a fresh start for Popovich and Mary, bringing together two figures who have long been entwined with the San Antonio Spurs’ storied legacy.

Their story serves as a reminder that within the high‑pressure world of professional sports, personal relationships can evolve in unexpected yet meaningful ways, reinforcing the sense of community that has defined the Spurs franchise for decades.