Longtime NBA commissioner David Stern died on Wednesday almost three weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the league announced. He was 77 years old.
Stern spent 30 years in the top leadership position in the NBA from 1984 to 2014 before stepping down. During Stern’s tenure, the league added seven expansion teams, survived four lockouts and built interest in basketball around the world.
Stern was also instrumental in creating the WNBA.
Stern was admitted to a hospital in New York Dec. 17 for emergency surgery after suffering a brain hemorrhage while at a restaurant.
He is survived by his wife Dianne and sons Andrew and Eric, and his family was at his bedside when passed, according to a statement from the NBA.
“David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads,” commissioner Adam Silver wrote in a statement. “But over the course of 30 years as commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA … 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.”
The news triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond memories of Stern from around the NBA. Wizards coach Scott Brooks opened his pre-game press conference Wednesday just minutes after Stern’s death was announced. Brooks called Stern an icon who set the “gold standard” for being a sports commissioner.
“He raised the level of being a great commissioner,” Brooks told reporters. “It’s a very difficult job and he made it look like it wasn’t that tough. But he was a great commissioner.”Brooks called Stern an icon who set the “gold standard” for being a sports commissioner.
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis tweeted that Stern was the “best leader in sports history” and said there would be a moment of silence before the Wizards’ game against the Magic on Wednesday to honor Stern.
Giant. G.O.A.T. Friend – Best leader in sports history – We mourn David Stern - Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family – A moment of silence in homage at tonight’s game but in our hearts & daily operations, in the NBA, he is ubiquitous - He is & will be truly missed by all. https://t.co/Ayujt1RTxc
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) January 1, 2020
Michael Jordan told The Athletic that without Stern, “the NBA would not be what it is today.
“He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon, creating opportunities that few could have imagined before,” Jordan said. “His vision and leadership provided me with the global stage that allowed me to succeed. David had a deep love for the game of basketball and demanded excellence from those around him — and I admired him for that. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I offer my deepest sympathies to Dianne and his family.”
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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