David Stern’s Greatest Accomplishment

What makes David Stern timeless was his passion and dedication to hold female athletes on the same playing field as men. Globally known as the NBA Commissioner from 1984 to 2014, he had a monumental impact on the legacy of basketball.

The ability to market some of the best players – Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan – allowed Stern to be prominent through the power of television. Launching the WNBA in 1997; however, was the greatest achievement throughout his time as commissioner. 

Stern’s marketing of WNBA’s Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo and Sheryl Swoopes added a new wave of entertainment that was just as impactful, maybe even more so than the men. Stern’s efforts of legitimizing the WNBA players as real professional athletes, made headway for the WNBA to gain more respect than any other women’s sport. Allowing women to gain full coverage came with the known battles of certain social inequalities; however, Stern made sure to always hold his women professionals accountable and to meet high standards. Showcasing what women were capable of in the realm of sports encompassed the path for future women athletes to walk on.

Thanks to Stern’s efforts women in sports still have the ability to strive for excellence and use their voice through changing times. From this respect, the late David Stern is announced to be inducted to the WNBA’s Hall Of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee held on June 12, 2021.