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Former NBA Commissioner David Stern has died at age of 77

David Stern, who served as the NBA commissioner for 30 years, has died at the age of 77.

The league announced Stern’s death Wednesday afternoon. Stern had been in the hospital after he suffered a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 12.

Stern died with his wife, Dianne, and their family by his side.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement:

“For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals – preparation, attention to detail, and hard work.

“David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads. But over the course of 30 years as Commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA. He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world. Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand – making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation.

“Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration. Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him.”

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Stern took over as the league NBA commissioner from Larry O’Brien in 1984. It’s the same year another legend, Michael Jordan, entered the league.

Stern helped the league reach international heights and seven new teams joined the league during his 30 years as commissioner.

Under his leadership, the NBA played almost 150 international games and was televised in more than 200 countries and territories in 40 languages.

The commissioner also involved in creating the Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. The WNBA will be forever grateful for his exemplary leadership and vision that led to the founding of our league,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “His steadfast commitment to women’s sports was ahead of its time and has provided countless opportunities for women and young girls who aspire to play basketball. He will be missed.”

Stern was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.

The NBA community took to social media Wednesday to remember the former commissioner:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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