David Stern's reign as NBA commissioner will not last beyond 2017.
Stern, who has headed the league since 1984, acknowledged in an All-Star news conference that he will not be around in six years, when NBA owners and players can re-open contract negotiations.
He also tabbed a successor, although he admitted he would have no say in who becomes the next boss.
Stern's recommendation was deputy commissioner Adam Silver.
"One of the things that a good CEO does — and I try to be a good CEO — is provide his board with a spectacular choice for its successor," Stern said, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. "And I think I've done that, and that's Adam.
"If I were doing it myself, he would be the commissioner, but as I said before, the board will make that decision."
Stern also talked about the uncertain states of the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Hornets, who have face sale and/or relocation, but he offered no hard information on either franchise.
