Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies At 77 After Suffering Brain Hemorrhage

David Stern, the NBA commissioner who oversaw the sport’s biggest stage for three decades, has died, the NBA announced Wednesday.

According to ESPN, Stern died as a result of the brain hemorrhage he suffered approximately three weeks ago. His wife, Dianne, and their family were with him at his bedside, the NBA said.

Stern was has been the NBA’s commissioner for over 30 years until the job was passed over to current NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

“Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration,” Silver said. “Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him.”

Stern was commissioner during the most successful period in NBA history and shepherded the league into the global market. He helped expand the game on the backbone of the NBA’s star players, highlighted by the Dream Team’s impact at the 1992 Olympics.

Stern was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Stern leaves behind his wife Dianne Brock — who he’s been married to since 1963 –, two children, and grandchildren.

He was 77 at the time of his death.

Rest in peace, David Stern.