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(CNN) - David Stern, the former NBA commissioner who reformed the league and presided over its dizzying growth for three decades, died, the NBA said Wednesday. He was 77 years old.
The NBA announced the news in a statement saying that Stern “died this afternoon as a result of the brain hemorrhage he suffered about three weeks ago. His wife, Dianne, and his family were with him by his side. ”
On December 12, the NBA said Stern had suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage that required emergency surgery. His son, Eric, told CNN days after his father had not been aware since the incident and was holding a breathing tube.
The NBA would not be the league that is today without Stern. During his 30 years as commissioner, he led a major franchise expansion and helped globalize the game, making it a multi-million dollar business.
He also oversaw the creation of the National Women's Basketball Association and the NBA Development League.
NBA