David Stern was born in Manhattan, New York City, to Anna Bronstein and William Stern, a Jewish family. He grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, where his father ran a delicatessen. A lifelong New York Knicks fan, Stern admired Carl Braun and attended games at Madison Square Garden.
He briefly played basketball before a serious knee injury. Stern graduated from Teaneck High School in 1959, earned a B.A. in history from Rutgers University in 1963, and received a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1966.
RELATED: Who is Avantika Mishra? Delving into the Telugu Actress’s Career
Table of Contents
David Stern Net Worth
David Stern had a net worth of $135 million at his death in 2020. As NBA Commissioner from 1984 to 2014, he transformed the league into a global powerhouse. NBA revenues rose from $118 million in 1982–83 to over $5 billion in 2013 and $8 billion by 2016.
The Sacramento Kings‘ value soared from $10.5 million to $534 million. Stern ended tape delay broadcasts, expanding live coverage to 215 countries. He also managed multiple NBA lockouts over salary disputes between the league and players.
Early Life
David Stern was born in Manhattan, New York City, to Anna Bronstein and William Stern, a Jewish family. He grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, where his father ran a delicatessen. A lifelong New York Knicks fan, Stern admired Carl Braun and attended games at Madison Square Garden.
He briefly played basketball before a serious knee injury. Stern graduated from Teaneck High School in 1959, earned a B.A. in history from Rutgers University in 1963, and received a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1966.
Career
After graduating, David Stern joined Proskauer, Rose, Goetz & Mendelsohn, representing the NBA. He led the firm’s work on Robertson v. National Basketball Association, helping settle the case to enable the NBA/ABA merger and introduce free agency.
In 1978, Stern became NBA general counsel under Larry O’Brien, then executive vice president by 1980, overseeing marketing, television, and public relations. Stern negotiated the league’s first drug testing policy and salary cap agreement with the NBA Players’ Association, strengthening his influence and addressing the NBA’s public image issues.
Personal Life
David Stern was married to Dianne Bock Stern, and they had two sons, Eric and Andrew, living in Scarsdale, New York. By his later years as commissioner, Stern earned a $9 million salary and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall. On December 12, 2019, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and died on January 1, 2020 in Manhattan at age 77.
NBA teams honored him with black bands. LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant mourned his passing.
How did David Stern help the NBA?
David Stern helped the NBA grow through initiatives like the WNBA, NBA Cares, the NBA Draft Lottery, and Basketball Without Borders. Under his leadership, the league added seven new franchises, secured lucrative television deals, and created a business model admired across sports.
Stern’s efforts expanded the NBA’s global reach, strengthened its financial foundation, and enhanced its social responsibility. His influence remains visible today in the NBA’s structure, international presence, and community programs that continue to thrive under his legacy.
Conclusion
David Stern’s legacy in the NBA is one of visionary leadership and financial acumen. His strategies and decisions not only enriched the league but also his personal wealth, establishing him as a seminal figure in sports management and business. His impact on the NBA continues to be felt even after his passing.
RELATED: Who is Song Joong-ki? The South Korean Actor’s Rise to Stardom
FAQs about David Stern Net Worth
- What was David Stern’s net worth? David Stern’s net worth was estimated at $135 million.
- What made David Stern famous? Stern was famous for his transformative role as Commissioner of the NBA, where he significantly increased the league’s popularity and revenue.
- What were some of David Stern’s significant achievements in the NBA? Key achievements include global expansion of the NBA, the introduction of the Women’s National Basketball Association, and significant broadcasting deals.
- Was David Stern married? Yes, Stern was married to Dianne Bock until his death.
- How did David Stern accumulate his wealth? Stern’s wealth was accumulated through his successful tenure as NBA Commissioner, which included lucrative salary and the growth of the NBA under his leadership.
