SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – David Stern, enshrined as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, has passed away at the age of 77.
“The Basketball Hall of Fame Family celebrates the remarkable life and sincerely mourns the passing of former NBA Commissioner David Stern” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “At the helm of the NBA for 30 years, David’s vision and leadership had a truly historic impact on the remarkable growth of our beautiful game while providing opportunities for players, fans and thousands of constituents within the basketball community. The current vitality of the game are direct results of his creative vision and leadership.”
Known to be one of, if not the most, influential commissioners in the history of sports, Stern helped to shape the game of basketball into what it is today. Stern was named the NBA Commissioner in 1984, succeeding Larry O'Brien and wasted no time in shaping the NBA into one of the most popular sports in the world. Under Stern’s leadership, the NBA added seven new teams and expended the game globally by opening 13 international NBA offices and staging pre-season and regular season games outside the United States. Stern was enshrined in the Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 2014.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit www.hoophall.com, follow @hoophall or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.