Previous NBA commissioner David Stern experienced surgery Thursday after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the league announced.
Stern, 77, was NBA commissioner from 1984-2014. He was succeeded by current commissioner Adam Silver.
In a statement Thursday night, the NBA said Stern "suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage earlier today for which he experienced crisis surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family."
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted Stern collapsed at a New York City restaurant and was rushed to the hospital.
Stern has been credited with building the model for an advanced professional sports in league in terms of operations, open service, global marketing, television distribution and digital innovation. During Stern's 30 years as commissioner, the league developed with seven new franchises and a more than 30-overlap increase in revenues, according to the league. The Women's National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League also were created during his residency.
Stern was drafted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2014 and the International Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He presently holds the title of "Commissioner Emeritus" with the NBA