Could a name change be coming to San Antonio International Airport (SAT)? If a San Antonio City Councilmember has his way, that could be the case.
San Antonio is Considering Renaming its Airport after Gregg Popovich
Last Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Councilman Manny Pelaez filed a request asking the City Council to consider renaming San Antonio International Airport after former San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich. In the request, Councilman Pelaez wrote:
“Coach Popovich’s impact on San Antonio is immeasurable.”
Coach Popovich stepped down as head coach of the Spurs earlier this year after suffering a stroke and various other medical issues. During his time at the helm, the Spurs won five NBA Championships and “Pop” also won an Olympic gold medal coaching Team USA. Popovich is now the President of Basketball Operations for the Spurs.
Four other Councilmembers have signed on to the request showing their support and with ten seats on the council, there is a high likelihood that this passes. However, three of the four will be rolling off of the council in the coming weeks. The next council would be tasked with taking this item to a vote.
While Coach Popovich has been outspoken on national issues around race, social justice, and his opposition to President Donald Trump, this wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen an airport renamed after someone with a strong political stance that was beloved by their community. Louisville, Kentucky renamed its airport after boxer Muhammed Ali in 2019.
San Antonio is in the Midst of a Massive Airport Expansion
The discussion around renaming comes as the airport is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar expansion project. San Antonio International Airport broke ground on a new $1.2 billion terminal building in December 2024 which is expected to add up to 17 gates, more than 800,000 square feet of new terminal space, 35,700 square feet of concessions space, and 29,000 square feet of lounge space.
The new terminal will be in addition to the existing Terminals A and B, and is expected to be operational in mid-2028.
While I live in Austin now and rarely travel through the San Antonio airport, I used to be a regular visitor and can confidently say that the new terminal is long overdue given the number of passengers passing through the airport.
Summary
The San Antonio City Council is considering a proposal to rename the city’s airport after former Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich. While the change appears to have support, a vote won’t come until the next council is sworn in. The proposed change comes amid a major expansion project at the airport which will add a new, 17 gate, terminal to the facility.
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(Images courtesy San Antonio International Airport)