Founder Profile
Red McCombs
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Red McCombs?
Red McCombs is a founder of iHeartMedia, Inc., which was founded in 1972 with Lowry Mays.
- Company founded
- iHeartMedia, Inc.
- Founded
- 1972
- Co-founders
- Lowry Mays
Background
Texas car dealer and investor who co-founded Clear Channel in 1972; he later owned the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Vikings. He died in 2023.
Founding Story
B.J. "Red" McCombs built a large car dealership business in San Antonio and partnered with Lowry Mays in 1972 to buy the radio station that became Clear Channel's first property. He brought capital and deal-making experience while Mays ran operations. McCombs was also known for owning professional sports teams and for his donations to the University of Texas, whose McCombs School of Business is named for him. He died in February 2023.
Red McCombs was born in 1927. Education: University of Texas School of Law.