July 15, 2025 Nolan Hughes

Steve Miller, who served as President and CEO of the PBA from 2000-2005, died this past Father’s Day at the age of 81.

“Steve Miller was a force of nature,” PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said. “His energy and expertise reinvigorated the PBA.”

Miller’s efforts for the PBA were spotlighted in the documentary, A League of Ordinary Gentlemen, which highlighted his work to make bowling more relevant and appealing to a broader audience.

Miller played football and track and field at Bradley University in the 1960s. He spent one season with the Detroit Lions before suffering an injury that ended his athletic career.

He transitioned to the coaching world, starting with 10 years at the high school level. He moved on to the collegiate ranks in 1976 at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly-SLO) where he won five NCAA Division 2 championships.

In 1981, Kansas State hired him as their track and field coach and later elevated him to athletic director in 1988. During his time as the AD, Miller most notably hired Bill Snyder to coach the football team.

After Kansas State, Miller joined Nike and spent nine years in various executive roles. His responsibilities included managing high-profile athlete endorsements, brand campaigns and sponsorships. He managed Nike’s $100 million investment in the 2000 Olympic Games as well.

Miller left Nike in 2000 and became president of the PBA, a role he held for five years.

Miller spent his final years as CEO of Agassi Graf Holdings, the financial portfolios of tennis legend Andre Agassi. Miller spearheaded the financial portfolios of three for-profit entities and as well as the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, a non-profit foundation.