Who Is Larry O'Brien? Age, Biography and Wiki
Larry O'Brien was born on July 7, 1917, and passed away on January 28, 1990. He would have been 108 years old in 2025 if he were still alive today. A significant figure in American politics and sports, O'Brien served as the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1975 to 1984. Under his leadership, the NBA saw substantial growth in popularity and revenue, paving the way for the modern basketball era.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1917 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 September, 1990 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Larry O'Brien's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Larry O'Brien was known for his charismatic personality rather than his physical prowess, especially in a sports domain. While specific measurements like height and weight are not typically documented for politicians, he was reputed to have an average build reflective of many individuals in his age bracket during his lifetime.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Larry O'Brien was married to his wife, Patricia O'Brien, and they had a family together. Their relationship has often been depicted as loving and supportive throughout his career. While specific details regarding his romantic life outside of marriage have not been highlighted in historical records, it is known that he prioritized family values and devoted himself to his wife and children.
He learned about politics at a young age. His father, a local leader of the Democratic Party, recruited him at 11 years old to serve locally as a volunteer in the 1928 presidential campaign of Al Smith. O'Brien became a passionate Democrat.
He earned a bachelor's degree in law in 1942 at the Northeastern University – Springfield Division, now known as the Western New England University School of Law. O'Brien was married to the former Elva Brassard in 1945. They had one son, Lawrence F. O'Brien III, who became a lobbyist.
Net Worth and Salary
When he passed away in 1990, Larry O'Brien's net worth is estimated to have been in the millions, thanks to his substantial roles in politics and the NBA. Although exact figures regarding his salary as an NBA commissioner or from his political career are not readily available, his influence in shaping professional basketball undoubtedly yielded significant financial benefits both during and post his career.
He lobbied successfully during President Kennedy's first year for the expansion of the U.S. House of Representatives Standing Committee on rules to ensure a liberal and moderate majority. O'Brien also lobbied for increasing the minimum wage. In 1962 he acted as President Kennedy's liaison to the Democratic Party during its mid-term election campaigns.
Career, Business and Investments
Larry O'Brien's career is marked by his influential role in politics and sports. Before becoming the NBA Commissioner, he served as the Postmaster General of the United States from 1965 to 1968. His most notable achievement in basketball was the implementation of modernization strategies, including enhancing the NBA's television presence and marketing efforts, leading to a surge in the league's popularity.
He also had ties to various business ventures, capitalizing on the growing interest in basketball and sports media. His strategic moves laid the groundwork for the financially lucrative nature of professional sports we see today.
In 1960, he was appointed by President-elect Kennedy to recruit staff for his administration and subsequently took on the job in 1961 as the special assistant to the president for congressional relations and personnel. O'Brien also had a major role in awarding patronage as one of President Kennedy's inner circle of trusted advisers.
Social Network
Although Larry O'Brien did not have a social media presence during his lifetime, his legacy continues to thrive on platforms like Wikipedia and sports encyclopedic resources. His contributions to basketball and politics are frequently discussed on various forums and social networks that celebrate his achievements and the impact he had on the NBA.
O'Brien accompanied President Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy on their trip to Texas in November 1963 and was riding in the motorcade in Dallas. As such he was an eyewitness to the assassination of President Kennedy. After the president was declared dead, O'Brien accompanied the coffin and Jackie Kennedy back to Air Force One at Love Field in Dallas.
While aboard Air Force One, President Lyndon B. Johnson called for O'Brien and Kenny O'Donnell, asking both of them to stay on and work with him in the new administration.
Although O'Brien had never been close to Johnson (and many writers, including Johnson biographer Robert Caro, reported that O'Brien did not like or trust Johnson), he remained at the White House and worked for the new president.
Education
Larry O'Brien graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree prior to launching his career in public service and sports management. His education played a fundamental role in shaping his views and his approach to leadership, which he exhibited throughout his influential career.
