David Stern’s three decade reign as commissioner of the NBA (the longest serving boss of any professional sport in North America) will end in February of 2014 after Stern announced his impending retirement today. Stern has overseen the globalization of the sport, negotiated several landmark television deals, and endured two lockouts, during his time as commissioner but will leave the league in a much better position than when he first took over in 1984.
He will be replaced by deputy commissioner Adam Silver.
Stern made the announcement at an NBA Board of Governors meeting earlier today.
