(You can also read this at my other blog: Nothing But Net)
Back in 2012, NBA Commissioner David Stern surprised the basketball world by announcing his retirement effective February 1, 2014 after being top honcho in the Association since 1984 (here are more links about Stern’s legacy: Link #1 | Link #2 | Link #3). He is to be succeeded by Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver. Stern is credited as the person that brought the NBA to the global market beginning in the late 80’s.
It wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies during Stern’s tenure. He has made some questionable decisions in the past 30 years. Personally, as a Lakers fan, I will forever hold a grudge against him for vetoing that Chris Paul-for-Pau Gasol trade in December 2011 (hashtag Basketball Reasons). But those are just petty stuff compared to the good Stern has done for the league.
Before he took the reigns, the NBA isn’t as big in other parts of the world as it is in the US. Networks didn’t broadcast NBA games on a daily basis, much less to international viewers. So, to truly enjoy a game, you had to watch it live or through (really) delayed telecasts or tapes (obviously, Youtube and NBA League Pass weren’t an option then).
But David Stern was persistent to make the NBA a global phenomenom, and his persistent paid off. Today, NBA games are broadcast to almost every part of the world on a daily basis, including here in the Philippines. Players have become common, household names. People, even non-basketball fans, want to own NBA-merch like jerseys, shoes, shirts, etc. We Filipinos should be especially thankful. The Philippines is one of the NBA’s largest markets in Asia. Knowing this, Stern pushed to have a preseason game played in Manila. And on October 10, 2013, history happened when the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers played in front of roaring Filipino fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
We have one man to thank for that.
Thanks, Commish!
patrickkennan.com 