Bertram Lee, former Nuggets owner, dies

Jet, Nov 3, 2003

Bertram M. Lee, former managing partner of the Denver Nuggets, recently died at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 64.

Born in Lynchburg, VA, Lee and his business partner, Peter Bynoe, became the first Black owners of a major sports franchise when they bought the Nuggets from Sydney Shlenker in October 1989. The deal was completed after a six-month negotiation when Comsat Video Enterprises, an entertainment company, agreed to bankroll the $65 million purchase price.

Survivors of the distinguished business leader include two daughters, Paula and Elaine, and a son, Bertram Jr.; sister, Yvonne L. Robinson, and brothers, William and John G. Lee.

Services were held at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Interment was held in Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago.