As the head of the most popular basketball league in the world, former NBA commissioner David Stern set in motion a number of activities that would see the league reach new heights on an international stage. He was in charge from 1984 to 2014 and worked tirelessly at advancing the game, helping turn it into a multibillion-dollar organization. However, all good things must come to an end. After suffering a brain hemorrhage three weeks ago, Stern passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 77 years old.

With Stern at the helm, the NBA added seven new teams and two brand new leagues. The G League, previously known as the NBA Development League, was founded in 2001 and the WNBA – the Women’s NBA – was founded in 1996 with its inaugural season held the following year. He was continuously been singled out as the man who made the NBA an international household brand.

Current commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement about Stern’s passing, “For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals — preparation, attention to detail, and hard work.”

He added, “Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration. Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him.”