NBA players, referees to wear black bands as Stern tribute

NEW YORK, USA – NBA players and referees will wear a commemorative black band on their uniforms for the remainder of the season and playoffs as a tribute to former commissioner David Stern, who died Wednesday, January 1.

The league announced the memorial gesture on Friday to recognize Stern, who was 77, for his contributions and innovations over 3 decades as commissioner before stepping down in 2014.

The bands will remain a part of game uniforms through the NBA Finals. (READ: Magic, Jordan among NBA stars ‘devastated’ by Stern’s death)

Stern, who passed away 3 weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage, turned the league into a global sporting powerhouse, expanding the NBA from 23 to 30 clubs and overseeing the relocation of 6 teams.

Stern increased the NBA’s global brand and talent pool and revamped marketing of star players, stars such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Magic Johnson evolving the NBA into one of the world’s most watched sporting leagues. (READ: Stern’s NBA legacy lives in league’s global superstars)

“Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand, making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation,” current NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. – Rappler.com