Updated: September 24, 2026
Gregg Popovich just added another ring to his collection — and this one has nothing to do with basketball. The legendary San Antonio Spurs coach, now 77 and serving as the team’s president of basketball operations, quietly married Mary Barth Budenholzer on September 16, 2026, in Bexar County, Texas. The news, first reported by TMZ and confirmed through a public marriage license, has the basketball world talking.
After decades of building one of the NBA’s most respected dynasties, Popovich is starting a new personal chapter. Here’s everything we know about Gregg Popovich’s new wife and this surprising turn in his private life.
Table of Contents
Who Is Mary Barth Budenholzer?
Mary Ellen Barth was born on October 10, 1964, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from Mary Carroll High School and later earned her degree from the University of Texas at Austin. For years she was known as Mrs. Mike Budenholzer, the wife of Popovich’s longtime Spurs assistant coach.
Mike Budenholzer spent nearly two decades on Popovich’s staff from 1996 to 2013, helping the Spurs win multiple championships. The couple raised four children together — William, Savoia “Libby,” Hanna, and John — before divorcing in 2016. Mary has largely stayed out of the spotlight, much like Popovich’s late first wife, Erin.
The Connection Between Popovich and the Budenholzers
Popovich and Mike Budenholzer were close collaborators for almost 20 years. Together they built the Spurs culture that produced five NBA titles. When Mike left in 2013 to become head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (and later won a title with the Milwaukee Bucks), the professional relationship ended, but the personal ties from those years remained.
After Erin Popovich passed away in 2018 following a long illness, Popovich focused on family, coaching, and eventually transitioning out of the head-coaching role in 2025 due to health challenges. Mary and Popovich, already longtime acquaintances through the Spurs organization, began appearing together at games during the 2025-26 season. Their friendship quietly grew into something more.
Key Details of the Wedding and Relationship Timeline
The couple exchanged vows on September 16, 2026, in a private ceremony in Texas. No elaborate public wedding details have been shared, which fits Popovich’s long-standing preference for keeping personal matters private.
Here’s a clear snapshot of the key facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Wife’s Name | Mary Barth Budenholzer (née Mary Ellen Barth) |
| Wedding Date | September 16, 2026 |
| Location | Bexar County, Texas |
| Popovich’s Age at Marriage | 77 |
| Mary’s Background | Born 1964, Corpus Christi, TX; UT Austin graduate |
| Previous Connection | Ex-wife of longtime Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer |
| First Wife’s Passing | Erin Popovich, 2018 |
| Current Role for Popovich | President of Basketball Operations, Spurs |
Mike Budenholzer has also moved on and is reportedly in a new relationship. Both sides appear to be focused on their own next chapters.
What This Means for Popovich’s Next Chapter
Popovich stepped away from coaching after 29 seasons and a record 1,390 wins (adjusted after health-related absences). His health scares in 2024 and 2025 led him into a front-office role where he continues shaping the Spurs’ future. Finding companionship later in life after the profound loss of Erin shows a man who values deep personal connections as much as he once valued championship culture.
Fans who followed the Spurs through the Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili eras know Popovich as intense, principled, and intensely private. This marriage fits that same pattern — low-key, intentional, and rooted in long-standing relationships within the Spurs family.
Conclusion
Gregg Popovich’s marriage to Mary Barth Budenholzer marks a meaningful new beginning for one of basketball’s most respected figures. At 77, the coach who redefined team culture and leadership has chosen to share the next stage of life with someone who already understands the unique world he built. The story reminds us that even the most disciplined and private lives can still surprise us with quiet second chances.
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Congratulations to Gregg and Mary as they begin this new chapter together.