David Stern, NBA Commissioner 1984-2014, gives career advice to Falk College Sport Management students. David Stern completed his three-decade tenure as NBA commissioner on February 1, 2014. As commissioner, Stern built the model for professional sports in league operations, public service, global marketing, television distribution and digital technology. He oversaw the NBA’s growth with seven new franchises, a more than 30-fold increase in revenues, a dramatic expansion of national television exposure and the launch of leagues.