Determining the factors responsible for the turnaround of the National Basketball Association (NBA) was the purpose of this study. The dramatic resurgence of the NBA was a topic of discussion and speculation over the past decade due to the unparalleled success generated by the league. There were two hypotheses advanced for the resolution of this problem. Hypothesis I: The league's own actions were supplemented by the appeal of individual players, namely Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and subsequently augmented by other athletes. Hypothesis II: The NBA needed the guidance of new, energetic and aggressive leadership in order to institute necessary changes to halt the league's pitfall, namely David Stern. Based on research acquired through periodicals, books, and information provided by the NBA Commissioner's office, both hypotheses were validated. The two distinct hypotheses were found to produce a cumulative, intertwining effect that precipitated the turnaround. The appealing nature of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, plus additional marquee players, and the actions taken by David Stern in the NBA office to end labor and drug problems were the primary contributors to the NBA's resurgence.
Research Papers [5100] Research papers submitted to the Graduate School by Ball State University master's degree candidates in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.