David Stern: Former NBA commissioner dies aged 77

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

January 2, 2020 at 08:07

REUTERS / David Stern helped boost basketball's popularity domestically and internationally

David Stern, the former commissioner of the US National Basketball Association (NBA), has died at the age of 77.

He had been in a serious condition after suffering a brain haemorrhage in December.

Stern was the NBA's longest-serving commissioner, holding the job for 30 years until retiring in February 2014.

He is credited with massively increasing the sport's revenues and popularity at home and abroad during his tenure.

Read the BBC's interview with David Stern in 2010

"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," his successor, Adam Silver, said in a statement.

"Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David's vision, generosity and inspiration."

LeBron James about to dunk a basketball — GETTY IMAGES
Millions of sports fans worldwide now follow the NBA and its stars, including LeBron James

Stern took over the NBA in February 1984. Basketball then drew in smaller television audiences and less money than other US sports like baseball and American football.

But during his time in charge he helped build the NBA's profile with a focus on its star players - making people like Michael Jordan household names around the world.

Seven new teams joined the league during his three decades in charge, including two in Canada. One of these - the Toronto Raptors - won their first NBA title in June. He also oversaw the creation of the Women's NBA in 1997.

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