David Stern who made NBA into a multi billion dollar enterprise over his 3 decades at the helm has passed away at age 77...
Stern died as a result of complications from a brain hemorrhage he suffered mid-December.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Stern transformed the league into a "modern global" industry as well as bringing the game on television for over 200 countries in dozens of languages.
"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 most influential business leaders of his time," Adam Silver added.
Seven new teams joined the NBA in his 30 year reign and two of them from Canada.
Stern was the league's fourth commissioner since 1946.
Born in 1942, he attended Columbia Law School and through work with a prominent Law Firm that represented the NBA in the 60's is when he got affiliated with the NBA.
In 1978 he became NBA's general council and 1980 executive vice president.
After Stern retired from his 30-year career which started in 1984 he continued to be part of the NBA.
He was awarded the title "commissioner emeritus"
He was also awarded a spot at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport.
Many condolence messages are continuing to pour in from the NBA family as well as many people who love the game and appreciated Stern''s work for the NBA.
He died in Manhattan in a hospital surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Dianne and two sons, Eric and Andrew.
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