The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2023

David Stern

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2023
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Sport(s): Basketball Commissioner
Statistics: Member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Member of the FIBA Hall of Fame

Member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
David Stern first worked with the NBA as outside legal counsel in 1966, and twelve years later, he was officially in their employ. Stern moved up to vice president in 1980, and in 1984, he succeeded Larry O'Brien as the new commissioner.

Serving as the commissioner until 2014, Stern grew the NBA to unprecedented heights. Television revenue rose, league recognition improved, but most importantly, Stern marketed his stars and helped make many of them the biggest names in sports.

Stern also created and kept the WNBA afloat, recognizing the cultural importance of growing women's sports. While Stern was not without controversy (the dress code for example), players went from niche names to household ones under Stern.

We are proud to nominate David Stern for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.