The basketball world, the sports world and the business world all began 2020 with some sad news.
David Stern, who served as NBA commissioner from 1984 to 2014 and is credited with the creation of the WNBA in the mid to late 1990s, died at the age of 77, the league announced.
Three weeks ago, Stern suffered a brain hemorrhage and was taken to a hospital in New York City. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN had reported that he was at a Manhattan restaurant before he collapsed.
In addition to the WNBA’s creation, Stern is also credited with the NBA’s exponential growth into an international sport as well as into a juggernaut financially. Not only has basketball grown from the “city game” into a global game, it is also a year-round sport as well between the NBA, WNBA, G-League and Summer League.
Stern joined the NBA in 1978 and succeeded Larry O’Brien as commissioner after a four-year tenure as the NBA’s executive vice president of business and legal affairs. He was born in New York and earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers plus a law degree from Columbia.
His tenure was not without controversy – including the veto of a trade in 2011 that would have sent Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets, which the league owned at the time, to the Los Angeles Lakers. Another controversial moment during his time as commissioner happened in the late 2000s when the Seattle Supersonics were relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.
Stern was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 – the final year of his tenure as commissioner.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/ePwLIRfvzo
— WNBA (@WNBA) January 1, 2020
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver statement regarding the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern pic.twitter.com/aW4WbxFQED
— NBA (@NBA) January 1, 2020
— NBA (@NBA) January 1, 2020
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) January 1, 2020
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) January 2, 2020
RIP to Former NBA Commissioner David Stern. I learned so much about the game while he was in charge of the NBA. I always appreciated his candor and everything he did to advance the game of basketball stateside. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/hMAK8DjHuG
— James Wade (@coachjameswade) January 1, 2020
The Sun family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Stern family. Commissioner Stern was a driving force behind the launch of the WNBA – a true believer in our league and all it stands for. We will be forever grateful for his contributions to the game of basketball. https://t.co/nfkkUgA9Ue
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) January 1, 2020
“We mourn David’s passing and send condolences to his family. We celebrate David’s championing of the WNBA from its inception through today. He leaves a lasting legacy with us all.”
– Seattle Storm Ownership https://t.co/NlKEKc9Sbo
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) January 1, 2020
A statement from Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern: “Giant. G.O.A.T. Friend. Best leader in sports history. We mourn David Stern, our prayers and thoughts go out to his family.” https://t.co/WyYwZNUj8l
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) January 2, 2020
David Stern was the mastermind of the WNBA and contributed to the women’s game at the professional level. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/faBtJxufgk
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) January 1, 2020
Our statement on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/Ht7OzWdTiL
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) January 1, 2020
Thank you David Stern for your leadership in help launching the @WNBA back in 1997 and your contributions to the game of basketball.
Condolences to the Stern family.
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) January 1, 2020
Prayers 🙏🏽 up for the whole Stern family. I’m thankful to have been impacted by our Commish thru the @WNBA and just personally as he always challenged me to be better on and off the court. Thankful to be a part of his legacy ❤❤🙌🏽🙏🏽 #GodsChild #Blessed #GoneButNeverForgotten pic.twitter.com/pYso4b9NzB
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) January 1, 2020
Sending our deepest condolences to the Stern family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nJ439Kl41F
— Indiana Fever ⛹️♀🏀 (@IndianaFever) January 1, 2020
David Stern’s vision to create the #WNBA in 1996 was a game changer for me and so many women. My path to the #NBA came from the opportunity to learn from him and a league that he built. His leadership impacted an entire generation. Prayers of comfort and peace to his family.
— Kelly Krauskopf (@k2indytex) January 1, 2020
Thinking of the Stern family. https://t.co/TeC2JVTPYD
— Allison Barber, PhD (@DrAllisonBarber) January 1, 2020
The @WNBA would not have launched without David Stern, yet he never sought to be given all the credit for league. He tended to give that to others, especially Val Ackerman, deservedly so. But he deserves to be remembered as someone who had an enormous impact on women’s sports.
— Mechelle Voepel (@MechelleV) January 1, 2020
“We are saddened by the passing of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, whose bold transformative vision included the creation of the WNBA.” pic.twitter.com/fM8VhPBddj
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) January 2, 2020
I met David Stern one time, but yet he influenced my professional life as much as anyone by his leadership, vision, commitment and drive to grow the @WNBA and @NBA . During his tenure and beyond, There has never been one leader influence a global game like he has.
— brian agler (@brian_agler) January 2, 2020
The Timberwolves and Lynx family mourn the passing of NBA Commissioner David Stern. pic.twitter.com/MQJ3YPYmyo
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 1, 2020
We owe David Stern a great deal for the courage he exhibited in his insistence, not only on the WNBA, but in doing it with vigor. The biggest success in women’s pro team sports wouldn’t exist without him. RIP Mr. Stern, and Thank You. ❤️💙
— Cheri Kempf (@cherikempf) January 2, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Stern Family! The impact David Stern had on the @nba @Wnba has impacted my life and countless others. I’ll always remember his humor, support and challenge to keep growing the game on and off the court! Rest Easy 🙏🏾
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) January 2, 2020
David Stern’s vision to create the @WNBA changed the entire trajectory of my life and his leadership to use the platform of sport in a meaningful way with @nbacares allowed me to live out my passion of using basketball to positively impact others. I will be forever grateful David pic.twitter.com/GRFKkIo7rN
— Ruth Riley Hunter (@ruthriley00) January 1, 2020
Andrew, I was just telling my friend this story!! And I remember walking out of his office and you turned to me and said “David Stern just took time of his day to meet with you!! WOW”!! 🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/jU06uFI0CH
— Ticha Penicheiro (@TichaPenicheiro) January 1, 2020
On behalf of the entire @WNBA family, our deepest sympathies to the Stern family. Thank you to Commissioner Stern for the #WNBA and the opportunities it has provided so many of us. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/4IbwXkU1aZ
— Cathy Engelbert (@CathyEngelbert) January 1, 2020
My heart is heavy today. Mr. Stern thank you for the impact you made on my life and so many others like @JayJack_22. Without you there is no WNBA and for that I am grateful. You will truly be missed.#RIPCommisionerStern pic.twitter.com/C3vbWNOVgd
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) January 1, 2020
Thank you to David Stern for changing my life by creating the @wnba. RIP 🙏🏻
— Lindsay Whalen (@Lindsay_13) January 2, 2020
Your legacy is what you stood for & what lessons you leave to those left behind. David Stern I’m so thankful for the impact you’ve had on my life and the opportunities you gave all of us in the WNBA. You leveled the playing field long before it was “the thing to do”Rest In Peace
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) January 1, 2020
Was just at the luncheon a couple weeks ago w/ David Stern! Wow 🙏🏽🙏🏽 heartbreaking! #RIP
— A’ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) January 1, 2020
Larry Bird sends his condolences to the Stern family. pic.twitter.com/VJ9xDoLd6f
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 2, 2020
Will never forget the words you spoke this day! “With the 7th pick” changed my life forever. Thank you and your family for your leadership and commitment to growing the game of basketball around the World. Forever grateful. RIP Commisoner Stern! pic.twitter.com/o7S4IT54NQ
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) January 1, 2020
The game changed in so many ways under David Stern’s leadership and vision. He demanded the best of everyone because he gave it himself. #Respect Thank you Commissioner. RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/veT9GQfrdC
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 1, 2020
David Stern was such a history maker. When I announced in 1991 I had HIV, people thought they could get the virus from shaking my hand. When David allowed me to play in the 1992 All Star Game in Orlando and then play for the Olympic Dream Team, we were able to change the world.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020
I can not put into words what the friendship of David Stern has meant to me but many others. He changed so many lives. David was a great innovator and made the game we love what it is today. This is a horrible loss. Our hearts are with Dianne & their family. RIP my friend. @NBA pic.twitter.com/mbnneqm18s
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 1, 2020
RIP Mr David Stern
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020
“You talk about NBA family, it started with him.”@3DTV and @SamMitchellNBA remember the former commissioner David Stern. pic.twitter.com/FCPpgi5tpi
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 2, 2020
“For me, I’m sure it’s been said by many, he’s the greatest commissioner in sports.”@realchriswebber joins GameTime to reflect on the legacy of the late David Stern. pic.twitter.com/H7faCfxY5h
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 2, 2020
“I think his courage to always stand up for what he believed in is what I’ll take away from David Stern’s legacy the most.” @bwood_33 reflects on the way the former commissioner transformed the league. pic.twitter.com/BmR1rQ3pnw
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 2, 2020
Turner Sports statement on the passing of David Stern pic.twitter.com/qKVQhdixRF
— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) January 1, 2020
“A true fan of the game.”@ReggieMillerTNT joins GameTime to share his memories of the late David Stern. pic.twitter.com/aKm7E0o5KO
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 1, 2020
“The world lost a legend today.”
Charles Barkley joins GameTime to remember the life and legacy of former commissioner David Stern. pic.twitter.com/UcNQGbNxTE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 1, 2020
“David Stern was the driving force behind this league becoming what it’s become.” @davidaldridgedc joins GameTime to pay tribute to the former commissioner. pic.twitter.com/rtQjEqBgol
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 1, 2020
.@IsiahThomas reflects on the tremendous impact David Stern had on the NBA.
We are remembering the life and career of the former commissioner on GameTime on NBA TV. pic.twitter.com/3Gee0Jy8Bo
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 1, 2020
A pioneer who transformed the game.@TurnerSportsEJ remembers the life and legacy of former NBA commissioner David Stern.
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/z1BelC2r9o
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 1, 2020
One of the most influential figures in basketball history.
David Stern’s legacy will live on forever.
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/tlQRfAKzAS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 1, 2020
