Ben Kerner | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 9, 1913 |
| Died | November 22, 2000 (aged 87) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, sports-franchise founder and owner, basketball executive |
| Years active | 1946–1968, as owner of NBA's Tri-Cities Blackhawks, Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks |
| Spouse | Ima Jean Bilbrey (1934–2011) |
Ben Kerner (June 9, 1913 – November 22, 2000) was an American professional basketball owner. He was the co-founder and owner of the St. Louis Hawks of the National Basketball Association, the present-day Atlanta Hawks. In 1946, Kerner co–founded with Leo Ferris a professional team in Buffalo, New York. The team then moved to become the Tri-Cities Blackhawks after a few games.[1] Kerner moved the franchise from Moline, Illinois, to Milwaukee in 1951 and to St. Louis in 1955. His 1958 St. Louis Hawks won the NBA Championship.[2][3]