David Stern served as NBA commissioner for 30 years (1984-2014), significantly contributing to the league's global popularity. His leadership focused on international expansion through training camps, exhibition games, and recruitment of international players. This led to the establishment of 12 international offices and broadcasts in over 40 languages and 200 territories. Stern also played a crucial role in the creation of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA G League (developmental league). Furthermore, he spearheaded the NBA's digital presence with NBA.com, NBA TV, and NBA League Pass, and established the NBA Cares social responsibility program.
1918: Birth of David Stern's Parents
Both of David Stern's parents, Anna and William Stern, were born in 1918.
September 22, 1942: Birth of David Stern
David Joel Stern was born on September 22, 1942.
1959: David Stern graduates from Teaneck High School
David Stern graduated from Teaneck High School in 1959.
1963: David Stern graduates from Rutgers University
David Stern graduated from Rutgers University in 1963 with a B.A. in history.
1966: David Stern joins the NBA
David Stern began his career with the NBA in 1966 as outside counsel.
1966: David Stern graduates from Columbia Law School
David Stern graduated from Columbia Law School with a J.D. in 1966.
1978: David Stern becomes NBA General Counsel
David Stern transitioned to the role of NBA General Counsel in 1978.
August 1980: Drug testing and salary cap agreements
In August 1980, David Stern played a key role in establishing drug testing and salary cap agreements within the NBA.
1980: Death of David Stern's Father
David Stern's father, William, passed away in 1980.
1980: David Stern becomes NBA Executive Vice President
In 1980, David Stern was promoted to Executive Vice President of the NBA.
February 1, 1984: David Stern becomes NBA Commissioner
David Stern officially became the NBA Commissioner on February 1, 1984.
1984: David Stern becomes NBA Commissioner
In 1984, David Stern became the Commissioner of the NBA.
1987: NBA expands media reach internationally
In 1987, David Stern initiated sending VHS tapes to China to expand the NBA's international presence.
1990: Death of David Stern's Mother
David Stern's mother, Anna, passed away in 1990.
1992: Formation of the "Dream Team"
David Stern pushed for NBA players' participation in the Olympics, leading to the formation of the "Dream Team" in 1992.
1992: Magic Johnson's HIV announcement and All-Star Game participation
In 1992, David Stern supported Magic Johnson's participation in the All-Star Game after his HIV announcement.
1995: NBA expansion into Canada
The NBA expanded into Canada with the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995.
2000: Minnesota Timberwolves tampering scandal
In 2000, the Minnesota Timberwolves were penalized for tampering with Joe Smith's contract.
2001: David Stern advocates for player maturity
In 2001, David Stern advocated for increased player maturity before entering the NBA.
2004: NBA reaches 30 teams
By 2004, the NBA grew to 30 teams under David Stern's leadership.
2005: NBA implements new dress code
The NBA introduced a new dress code for players in 2005.
2006: NBA implements minimum age limit
The NBA established a minimum age limit for players starting with the 2006 draft.
2014: David Stern retires as NBA Commissioner
After 30 years, David Stern retired as NBA Commissioner in 2014.
January 1, 2020: Death of David Stern
David Stern passed away on January 1, 2020.
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