During the early 1980s, the NBA was facing significant challenges
It was struggling to the point where its finals were not even broadcast live on television. Many teams were in severe financial distress.
Then, along came David Stern as the commissioner of the NBA.
Stern, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77, transformed the league and guided it towards a prosperous future of growth and global recognition.
Stern had been associated with the NBA since 1966 before becoming commissioner in 1984, a position he held until his retirement in 2014. He was still recognized as Commissioner Emeritus by the league. A native of New York, Stern graduated from Rutgers University and obtained his law degree from Columbia University.
Despite facing obstacles such as multiple player lockouts during labor negotiations, the NBA thrived under Stern’s leadership. The league capitalized on marketing its star players and forming partnerships with companies like Nike, elevating the NBA and its players to international stardom and increasing the sport’s popularity.
Under Stern’s tenure, the NBA established the Women’s NBA and the D-League for player development.
The NBA also made history by playing regular-season games internationally and making significant strides in China with the arrival of Yao Ming to the Houston Rockets. NBA players began participating in the Olympics during Stern’s era, with the iconic 1992 Dream Team, featuring legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley, winning the gold medal. Players from all corners of the globe began joining the NBA.
Stern had been hospitalized in December following a brain hemorrhage. His passing was announced by the NBA on New Year’s Day.
Rockets’ star James Harden expressed on Twitter, “The league owes so much to you. Your presence will be deeply missed by the entire NBA family and fans worldwide.”
