During her tenure as President, Ueberroth has been instrumental in the global growth of the NBA, leading its operations outside of the United States, resulting in a ten-fold increase in international revenues, the opening of 13 international offices, and the broadcasting of the league's games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages.

Ueberroth, daughter of Peter, organiser of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the former Commissioner of Major League Baseball, will assist in the transition period following her departure from her current role, serving as a senior advisor on international matters.

"Heidi has been a key participant in the NBA's global expansion for nearly two decades," said Stern.

"We are grateful for her extraordinary contribution during her distinguished NBA career, and are fortunate that she will be available to us for consultation on continuing the global growth of our game and business."

NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver added: "I understand Heidi's desire to seek a new challenge at this point in her impressive career but will miss working with her on a daily basis.

"Her extraordinary knowledge of the NBA's global endeavors and her extensive experience as the leader of our international business will be sorely missed.

Heidi Ueberroth was a key player in the growth of NBA China, serving on their board of directors

"I'm appreciative that she's agreed to stay on for the next several months to assist us with the transition."

Ueberroth's career accomplishments have led to numerous accolades, including being named to Business Week's list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports and similar distinctions from the American Advertising Federation, Advertising Age, and Sports Business Journal.

"It has been an incredible privilege to have worked at the NBA, and I'm grateful to our owners, David, and Adam for their support throughout my career," said Ueberroth.

"I am particularly proud of the team of more than 300 NBA colleagues now based in our offices throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America – they are a skilled group that is unparalleled in professional sports.

At this point, I have accomplished everything I had ever hoped to for the NBA and, with this great management team now in place, I know it is the right time for me to explore what else I can do."

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