Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies at Age 77 on New Year's Day

David Stern, who served as NBA commissioner for three decades after taking over the position in 1984, died on New Year’s Day as a result of complications arising from a brain hemorrhage he suffered about three weeks ago.

Stern, 77, oversaw the NBA during the most successful period in league history and is largely credited for helping turn the league — and the sport — into the global power it is today.

When Stern took over the NBA in 1984, the average player salary was $330,000. This season, the average pay for an NBA player is $7.7 million. During Stern’s tenure, the league expanded from 23 teams to 30 teams and also became the first professional sports league to be broadcast on cable when Stern inked a two-year, $20 million deal with TBS in 1984.

That deal helped the NBA’s television revenue increase from $10 million per year to approximately $900 million per year during Stern’s tenure.

“For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals — preparation, attention to detail, and hard work. David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads. But over the course of 30 years as Commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA. He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world. 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.”

LeBron James, who won his second championship the year Stern retired, also paid tribute to the former commish on Instagram.

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I will never EVER forget when you called my name on stage and I shook your hand. My dream came true!!! Thank you for your commitment to the beautiful game of basketball that has changed so many young adult/kids lives and more importantly your vision to make our game become WORLDWIDE was a vision only you could make happen! You did just that. Making our game the greatest sport in the world! Was a honor to know you personally. Rest In Paradise David Stern! My prayers goes to your family and friends throughout this difficult time! 🙏🏾💪🏾👑

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Jan 1, 2020 at 3:34pm PST