Former NBA commissioner David Stern, who is credited with globalizing the NBA during his monumental tenure atop the NBA organizatgion, was admitted to a New York City hospital Thursday afternoon after suffering a brain hemorrhage, according to an official league announcement.
“NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage earlier today for which he underwent emergency surgery,” the NBA said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family.
New York’s fire department responded to a 911 emergency call at a Midtown restaurant at 1:59 pm EST, and transported Stern to Mount Sinai West medical center. There was no immediate word on his condition.
Stern, 77, served as NBA commissioner from 1984 until 2014 and was instrumental in building the NBA into a global force. During his tenure, the league added seven teams, relocated six other franchises, increased the league’s annual revenue from television contracts, and a boom in value of NBA franchises.
Join Cookie and I in praying for my good friend who helped save my life, former NBA Commissioner David Stern. He suffered a brain hemorrhage and had to have emergency surgery. ??
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 13, 2019