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.
"Losing David Stern is losing a partner of mine for over fifty years in the game of basketball. The relationship we built over five decades was truly unique, calling on each other to assist in a variety of ventures over the years - notably partnering to secure the future of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and making it the most outstanding Hall of Fame in all of sports. Fifteen years ago, I was honored by his request for me to oversee USA Basketball and continue to grow and celebrate our game on a global scale. My relationship with David was special to me and I sincerely appreciate the incredible contributions he made to the game on all levels. He will be sorely missed by the basketball community."
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 expanded 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.