Adam Silver

Adam Silver (born April 25, 1962) is an American sports executive and lawyer who has served as the fifth commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since February 1, 2014. A graduate of Duke University with a degree in political science and the University of Chicago Law School, Silver began his career as a corporate attorney before joining the NBA in 1992, rising through roles including oversight of NBA Entertainment and serving as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer under David Stern.

Under Silver's leadership, the NBA secured transformative media rights agreements exceeding $70 billion over 11 years, significantly boosting league revenues and global reach through expanded international broadcasting. He introduced the In-Season Tournament in 2023 to enhance competitive balance and fan engagement, amid ongoing discussions of league expansion to new markets like Las Vegas and Seattle.

Adam Silver was born into a Jewish-American family in Rye, New York, an affluent suburb in Westchester County north of New York City. His father, Edward Silver, was a prominent labor lawyer practicing in New York City, specializing in labor law matters. His mother, Melba Silver, served as a teacher and community activist.

Silver was born on April 25, 1962, in Rye, New York, to Edward Silver, a lawyer and public official who served as chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, and Melba Silver, part of a Jewish-American family with roots in the region. Little is documented about Silver's siblings or extended family dynamics, reflecting the family's preference for privacy.