NEW YORK, Nov. 4 — The WNBA has announced that its President, Laurel J. Richie, will be leaving the league to pursue her other interests serving as a board member of several for-profit and not-for-profit institutions and continuing to be an advocate for girls and young women, effective Nov. 9, 2015. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum will oversee the WNBA on an interim basis, and a search for a new league president will commence immediately.
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“We thank Laurel for her five seasons of service and commitment to the WNBA and wish her success in her future endeavors,” said Tatum. “The league’s quality of play and depth of talent have never been better. We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving growth in fan interest and future business performance reflective of the extraordinary state of the oncourt product.”
Richie joined the WNBA in May 2011, becoming the first African-American to lead a major sports league. She has been recognized as one of the Most Influential African-Americans in Sports by Black Enterprise Magazine, a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal, and a “Shot Caller” by Black Girls Rock.
Richie took the helm of the WNBA at a critical time for the league. During her five seasons, she made important contributions to strengthen the league and its 12 teams, to provide increased visibility for the players, and to celebrate the diversity of the WNBA fanbase.
On Richie’s watch, the WNBA entered into an eight-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the players (the longest term for such an agreement in the history of the WNBA) and extended its partnership with ESPN through 2025.
Richie’s strategic focus on team marquee partnerships resulted in a record 10 teams with marquee partners (more than twice the number from when she started), which in turn played a pivotal role in increasing the number of teams turning a profit. Working closely with league staff and team owners, she oversaw the recent transition of the Tulsa Shock to the Dallas Wings, as well as the purchase of the Los Angeles Sparks by Guggenheim Partners and Magic Johnson Enterprises.
Richie led the development of “WNBA PRIDE” in 2014, making the WNBA the first professional sports league to establish an integrated marketing, media, grassroots and social responsibility program for the LGBT community.
“I am proud of what the WNBA has been able to accomplish during my tenure and am grateful for the opportunity to play my part in setting the stage for the 20th season and beyond,” Richie said. “I was fortunate to work with some very special people, from owners, to league and team staff, to the passionate fans of the WNBA, to the incredibly talented WNBA athletes. I will forever be a fan of the WNBA and a champion for all it stands for.”
About the WNBA
The WNBA, which will embark on its 20th season next year, is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement and diversity. Through WNBA Cares, the league is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increasing breast and women’s health awareness, and supporting youth and family development.