Ski Austin steps down from NBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today announced that Ski Austin, NBA Executive Vice President, Events, has decided to step down after 25 years at the league, effective October 3.  While Austin will leave his role leading the league’s Events department, he will remain involved with the NBA as a consultant and adviser.

During his tenure at the NBA, Austin has overseen the development and production of all NBA, WNBA, NBA Development League, and USA Basketball events on a global basis.

Austin has produced more than 250 major events, including 25 All-Star celebrations, NBA games in 18 countries, and grassroots events and attractions around the world.  Among his many accomplishments, in 1993 Austin created NBA All-Star Jam Session, the league’s interactive fan festival.  He also served as event director for USA Basketball’s original Dream Team in 1992.

“Ski’s vision and expertise have led to tremendous growth in the scope of our events during the past 25 years,” said Silver.  “We are thankful for his extraordinary contributions during a distinguished NBA career and are fortunate that he will continue to be involved as an adviser for NBA events.”

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this incredibly dedicated and talented group of professionals,” said Austin.  “If you love the game of basketball as much as I do, and you have the privilege to work every day with people who are passionate about their jobs and are the best in the business, there’s no better place in the world.  My time with the NBA family has produced indelible memories too numerous to count, and I’ll always be proud of what we accomplished.”

Austin has served in his current role since 2006.  Austin was named Senior Vice President of Events & Attractions in 1997 after working as Vice President of Special Events and, immediately before that, Director of Special Events.  He joined the NBA in 1989 as a manager for Special Events after serving as a manager for Safaris, Inc., a destination management company, where he created corporate incentive functions and sports competitions.

- NBA Press Release