David Stern was an influential American lawyer and sports executive, best known for serving as the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1984 to 2014. Under his leadership, the NBA experienced significant growth in popularity, expanding its global reach and increasing its revenue. Stern was instrumental in the introduction of the WNBA and the establishment of the league's salary cap system. Stern's tenure was marked by several key developments, including the rise of superstars like Michael Jordan and the globalization of basketball. He played a crucial role in negotiating lucrative television deals and promoting the league's brand, making the NBA a major player in the world of sports entertainment.