10 Most Important Ways David Stern Changed The NBA

6. Player Empowerment- “Get That Money, Baby!”

To quote one Samuel L Jackson, let me tell you that “these, are some stats for your a**”;

Right now, it is estimated that Lebron James yearly income surpasses $50m OFF of the court. At the time of his signing the deal, then Most Valuable Player (MVP) Derrick Rose signed a 10 year, $100m deal with brand giants Adidas. It is estimated that Kobe Bryant has earned the same amount in his first year with Mamba Academy and his television contract as his final year salary with the Los Angeles Lakers…

Stern was vital in this during a time that these numbers would have been laughed out of the room. When Stern became commissioner in 1984 the league was at the formative stages of simply maintain itself. He was a key cog in the growth and maturation of how business was conducted. In large parts it was his vision that deciphered just how it was that teams would reach the lofty heights of global financial success as they do today, but that vision was not simply anointed to the teams.

It was David Stern who first sought after a wealth expansion for players, who could themselves become brands. It was like he had said elsewhere, if his league profits, so should everybody, players included. In a prophetic twist of fate, it was his decision to implement the dress code that ushered in this era; by encouraging players to be more professional in appearance, it opened the doors players gaining endorsement deals and signature apparel contracts. He had made clothing and other avenues something that players could use to grow their own brand, triggering a multitude of great clothing lines, commercials, shoes, all of which contributed to player empowerment.

Oh and player Salary? When Stern took over, the average annual salary was around $300k. Now? Now it's in the realms in $16m. Suffice to say he made an impact.