History of Adam Silver in Timeline

Adam Silver is the current commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a role he assumed in 2014 after serving as deputy commissioner under David Stern. Silver joined the NBA in 1992 and held various positions before becoming COO and deputy commissioner in 2006. His tenure as commissioner has been marked by his approach to social issues, player relations, and the continued global expansion of the NBA brand.

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Full Timeline

1921: Edward Silver's Birth

In 1921, Adam Silver's father, Edward Silver, was born. He was a lawyer specializing in labor law.

April 25, 1962: Adam Silver's Birth

On April 25, 1962, Adam Silver was born. He would later become the NBA commissioner.

1980: Graduated from Rye High School

In 1980, Adam Silver graduated from Rye High School in New York.

1984: Graduated from Duke University

In 1984, Adam Silver graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

1985: Legislative Aide to Les AuCoin

From 1984 to 1985, Adam Silver worked as a legislative aide to Les AuCoin, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

1988: Graduated from University of Chicago Law School

In 1988, Adam Silver graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with a J.D. degree.

1992: Joined NBA Entertainment

In 1992, Adam Silver joined NBA Entertainment as Senior VP and COO, working his way up to President and COO for eight years. During his time, he was an executive producer and contributed to several movies and documentaries.

1992: Joined the NBA

In 1992, Adam Silver joined the National Basketball Association (NBA).

2004: Death of Edward Silver

In 2004, Adam Silver's father, Edward Silver, passed away. He was a lawyer specialized in labor law.

2006: Named COO and Deputy Commissioner

In 2006, Adam Silver became the chief operating officer (COO) and deputy commissioner of the NBA, under David Stern.

October 25, 2012: Endorsed as Next NBA Commissioner

On October 25, 2012, David Stern endorsed Adam Silver to be the next NBA commissioner.

February 1, 2014: Became NBA Commissioner

On February 1, 2014, Adam Silver officially became the NBA commissioner after David Stern stepped down.

April 25, 2014: TMZ Releases Donald Sterling Recording

On April 25, 2014, TMZ Sports released a video of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist remarks in a conversation with his girlfriend.

November 13, 2014: Advocated for Legalized Sports Betting

On November 13, 2014, Adam Silver published an op-ed in The New York Times advocating for legalized and regulated sports betting.

2014: Forced Donald Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers

In 2014, Adam Silver forced Donald Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers and banned him for life from all NBA games and events following racist remarks Sterling made in private recordings.

2014: Named Sports Illustrated Executive of the Year

In 2014, Adam Silver was named the Sports Illustrated Executive of the Year.

2014: Named NBA Commissioner

In 2014, Adam Silver was named the commissioner of the NBA after David Stern's retirement.

2015: Married Maggie Grise

In 2015, Adam Silver married interior designer Maggie Grise.

2016: Received Distinguished Alumnus Award

In 2016, Adam Silver received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Chicago Law School.

2016: Ranked Most Influential Person in Sports Business

In 2016, Sports Business Journal ranked Adam Silver No. 1 on its list of the 50 Most Influential People in Sports Business.

April 2017: Birth of First Daughter

In April 2017, Adam Silver and his wife Maggie Grise welcomed their first daughter.

October 4, 2019: Daryl Morey's Tweet Supporting Hong Kong Protests

On October 4, 2019, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey issued a tweet supporting the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, which led to controversy and criticism from US politicians and strained relations between the NBA and China.

March 11, 2020: Suspension of the 2019-20 NBA Season

On March 11, 2020, Adam Silver made the decision to suspend the 2019-20 NBA season in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: Birth of Second Daughter

In May 2020, Adam Silver and his wife Maggie Grise welcomed their second daughter.

2023: Joined Board of Trustees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Since 2023, Adam Silver has been on the board of trustees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

February 2025: Conspiracy Theories Circulate Following Luka Dončić Trade

In February 2025, following the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade, conspiracy theories circulated on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and Reddit, accusing Silver and the NBA of forcing the trade and rigging the draft lottery. Adam Silver denied the allegations.

2025: Mavericks Win NBA Draft Lottery Amidst Rigging Accusations

In 2025, despite having only a 1.8% chance, the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA draft lottery, leading to widespread accusations that the lottery was rigged to compensate for the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade. It is expected that Cooper Flagg will be taken first overall.