NEW YORK — David Stern spent nearly 30 years growing the NBA, turning a league that couldn’t even get its championship series on live prime-time TV into a projected $5 billion a year industry.
Confident the NBA is in good shape and certain he has found someone who can make it even better, Stern will retire as commissioner Feb. 1, 2014, 30 years to the day after taking charge of the league, and be replaced by Deputy Adam Silver.
“I decided that things are in great shape and there’s an organization in place that will ultimately be led by Adam that is totally prepared to take it to the next level,” Stern said Thursday.
Stern, who turned 70 last month, became commissioner on Feb. 1, 1984. He has been the NBA’s longest-serving commissioner, establishing the league’s brand around the world, presiding over team expansion and overseeing the establishment of the WNBA and the NBA Development League.
“There is no debate that David Stern has earned his spot in the pantheon of sports commissioners. Deservedly, his name and reputation will always be synonymous with the phenomenal growth and success of the NBA over the last three decades,” union executive director Billy Hunter said.
Seven franchises have been added under Stern and the league has seen a 30-fold increase in revenues. Stern insisted the NBA have a presence on social media, and the league and players have more than 270 million likes and followers on Facebook and Twitter.
WARRIORS: Golden State exercised its third-year option on shooting guard Klay Thompson, retaining him through the 2013-14 season.
MAVERICKS: Dallas claimed free-agent center Eddy Curry after he was waived by San Antonio and suspended Delonte West for the second time in as many weeks for conduct detrimental to the team, putting the guard’s future in Dallas in doubt.
SUNS: Power forward Markieff Morris’ option was picked up through 2013-14, while Ike Diogu and Solomon Jones were waived.
KNICKS: Center Tyson Chandler is day to day after an MRI of his left knee revealed a bone bruise.
GRIZZLIES: The NBA board of governors has approved Michael Heisley’s sale of the team to a group headed by a California technology entrepreneur, Robert J. Pera.
76ERS: Swingman Evan Turner had his contract option picked up, keeping him in Philadelphia through 2013-14.
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