Richard P. Tinkham (June 24, 1932 – October 14, 2018) was an American sports executive who was the co-founder of the American Basketball Association with Joe Newman. Tinkham graduated from the University of Michigan law school in 1957. In 1967, he co-founded the original ABA and the Indiana Pacers franchise, serving for two years as President of the ABA Board of Trustees. Tinkham was also an owner and executive of the Pacers franchise. In 1972-75, he was instrumental in the creation of Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.