Iger, Pitaro Remember NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern

NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern has died, the NBA announced Wednesday. He was 77.

“My wife Willow Bay and I are deeply saddened by the loss of David Stern, who left an indelible mark on the sports industry and helped turn the NBA into a global cultural force,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He was an integral part of our personal and professional lives. Our hearts are with his family and the NBA.”

ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said: “David Stern was a brilliant leader whose vision was instrumental in creating the global success the NBA enjoys today. ESPN is deeply grateful for his tremendous partnership through the years. Our thoughts are with David’s loved ones, Commissioner Silver and the entire NBA family at this difficult time.”

April 12, 2004: SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd interviews NBA Commissioner David Stern. (Rich Arden/ESPN)

April 12, 2004: ESPN’s Mary Buckheit moderates an ESPN.com online chat with NBA Commissioner David Stern. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)

Sept.7, 2004: Then ESPN President George Bodenheimer (R) and SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn (L) flank NBA Commissioner David Stern at the ESPN 25th Anniversary Party. (Steve Fenn/ESPN Images).

1989: Former SportsCenter anchor Bob Ley (standing, center), poses with the four commissioners: Clockwise sitting: Paul Tagliabue, NFL; David Stern, NBA; Ley, John Ziegler, NHL and Fay Vincent, MLB. (Jim Turner/ESPN Images)

May 28, 2014 : hen ESPN Executive Vice President John Walsh (L) speaks with David Stern at the Paley Center for Media New York Gala Benefit, celebrating the 35th Anniversary of ESPN. (Rich Arden/ESPN Images)