MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 07: NBA's Commisioner David Stern looks over during the NBA Europe Live game between EA7 Emporio Armani Milano v Boston Celtics at Mediolanum Forum on October 7, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images)
He will be replaced by Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver. The announcement came at an NBA Board of Governors meeting Thursday.
Stern, who turned 70 last month, became commissioner on Feb. 1, 1984.
He has been the league's longest-serving commissioner, guiding the league through growth around the world.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)