NEW YORK (CBSMiami) – NBA Commissioner David Stern will step down from his post in February 2014 multiple media outlets are reporting. Stern’s retirement plans were revealed to NBA executives Thursday.

Stern has served as NBA Commissioner since 1984, making him the longest serving commissioner in professional sports. He took over for Larry O’Brien, who gave his name to the NBA Championship trophy.

The NBA Board of Governors wasted no time in picking Stern’s replacement. NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver will replace Stern, according to Yahoo! Sports. Silver was a key party in the collective bargaining negotiations last year and was expected to eventually take over for Stern.

“What an honor to be in this position,” Silver said. “I’m honored, thrilled, and will do my absolute best to grow this league.”

Stern has been at the heart of controversy during his tenure and many players will not miss the commissioner; but he has also overseen a global expansion of the NBA thanks to stars like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James.

Stern also helped create the WNBA and oversaw the creation of seven NBA teams during his tenure as commissioner.