David Stern, an American lawyer and business executive, was married to his supportive wife, Dianne Bock Stern, and they are the parents of two children.
Stern, born on September 22, 1942, in New York City, embarked on a distinguished legal career after graduating with a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1966.
Following law school, he joined the prestigious firm Proskauer Rose, taking a leading role in the high-profile case of Robertson v. National Basketball Association.
In 1978, he moved to the NBA, initially serving as general counsel under Commissioner Larry O’Brien.
By 1980, O’Brien recognized Stern’s talents, promoting him to executive vice president for business and legal affairs.
On February 1, 1984, he became the NBA Commissioner, and his tenure lasted 30 years, the longest in the history of major North American sports leagues until then.
Under his leadership, the NBA saw global expansion, including the admission of seven new franchises and the launch of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA G League.
He also oversaw the introduction of innovative broadcasting strategies and digital ventures such as NBA TV and NBA League Pass, significantly increasing the league’s global viewership and digital presence.
His tenure included significant initiatives such as the implementation of the first drug testing agreement and a salary cap within the NBA.
Upon retiring in 2014, Stern left a profound legacy, marked by his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his pivotal role in transforming the NBA into a global sports powerhouse.
David Stern’s Wife, Dianne Bock Stern, Was His Constant Supporter
David Stern was married to his wife, Dianne Bock Stern, on November 27, 1963. The couple was married for over five decades before David’s passing in 2019.
Despite her significant ties to one of the most influential figures in sports history, Dianne has maintained a low profile.
Born in the early 1940s in the USA, she holds American nationality. Dianne has been a cornerstone of stability and support in her husband’s life, who led the NBA from 1984 until 2014.
Their partnership extended beyond typical marital bounds into a deep, supportive relationship that was evident throughout their time together.
Dianne often accompanied her husband to public events but rarely sought the spotlight.
Despite this, she was present at various NBA events and activities, such as the 2010 Tip-Off For A Cure Dinner Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Bloomberg Businessweek 85th Anniversary Celebration at the American Museum of Natural History.
Moreover, David and Dianne Stern watched the United States play against France in the Women’s Basketball Gold Medal game during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Together with David, she engaged in philanthropy through the Dianne and David Stern Foundation, supporting numerous Jewish causes.
They are the parents of two sons, Eric and Andrew Stern.
Dianne’s influence and support were not only in her husband’s public life but also within their private family affairs, where she provided a stable and nurturing environment for their children.
Eric, instead of following directly in his father’s footsteps, chose to carve his own path in law and politics, primarily focusing on environmental issues.
After a stint at Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, Eric had a thirteen-year run in state government and now manages his family’s investment portfolio.
Although not much is known about David’s other son, Andrew, the family led a happy life in Scarsdale, New York, before David’s passing.
Throughout David’s career, and especially in his final days, Dianne was always by his side, showing her deep commitment and dedication.
Stern passed away in a hospital in Manhattan, survived by his wife Dianne and their two sons, Eric and Andrew.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- David Stern was born to parents William and Anna Stern, and raised in a middle-class Jewish household.
- On October 25, 2012, Stern announced that he would step down as NBA commissioner on February 1, 2014, after 30 years in the role, and he was succeeded by his deputy, Adam Silver.
- On December 12, 2019, he underwent emergency surgery following a brain hemorrhage but succumbed to his condition on January 1, 2020, at 77 years old.
