(Reuters) – Former National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern, who oversaw the explosive growth in the popularity of the game during his 30-year tenure, died on Wednesday at the age of 77, the league said.
Stern, the NBA’s longest-serving commissioner before being succeeded by Adam Silver on Feb. 1, 2014, had been in serious condition after emergency surgery on Dec. 12 in New York following a sudden brain hemorrhage.
“Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration,” Silver, who worked with Stern for 22 years, said in a statement.
“Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand.”
Under Stern, the NBA experienced extraordinary growth, with seven new franchises – including expansion to Canada in 1995 – a more than 30-fold increase in revenue, a dramatic gain in national TV exposure and the launch of the Women’s National Basketball Association and NBA Development League.
He also had a role in many other initiatives that helped shaped the league, including a drug policy, salary-cap system and dress code.
“Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it is today,” former Chicago Bulls superstar and current Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan said in a statement to The Athlete.
“He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon.”
