Former NBA Commissioner David Stern passes away at 77

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the most popular executives in the history of sports passed away at the age of 77.

David Stern, the National Basketball Association’s former Commissioner before Adam Silver, suffered a brain hemorrhage last December.

From 1984 to 2014, the NBA grew through his expertise and supervision which led to the league being one of the most viewed sports in the world.

Stern was there through the ups and downs of the league. From one of the most heated scandals in sports, the “Malice in the Palace” incident, to the NBA lockout season, he was there and made sure that everything ultimately fell into place.

His passing of the torch to current NBA commissioner Adam Silver also highlighted his career as he mentored Silver and helped ease him flawlessly into the position.

Stern paved the way leading to the NBA’s televised games. Closing deals with NBC, ESPN, and TNT, to help the sport grow and increase their market.

The NBA expressed their deepest condolences to one of the building blocks of the league, and will forever be grateful to Stern’s contributions to the league.