INDIANAPOLIS – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) president, Laurel Richie, visited Indianapolis this Thursday-Friday for the Indiana Fever versus San Antonio Stars game Friday evening. Richie, who started with the league in 2011, is now in her fifth year leading the WNBA.

“I’m excited about the depth of talent in the league and its level of play,” said Richie, added that the WNBA tip off game on ESPN2 showed viewership was up 31 percent.

Richie began her media-filled day Friday with an informational session with Pacers Sports & Entertainment staff, emceed by Chris Denari. She briefly spoke with Denari about her thoughts on the league, which enters its 20th season next year.

“I want to acknowledge, respect and maintain the integrity of the game,” said Richie, who added that Indiana is a great organization to be a part of. “From the leadership on down, everyone is very passionate about the WNBA. This is one of our premiere teams and it’s great to see Stephanie [White] in her first year as head coach.”

Richie then turned the session around and began asking PS&E staff some questions of her own. She inquired about what the league could be doing differently and how they should go about celebrating the 20th season of the league next year.

Later in the evening, she participated in interviews with FeverBasketball.com, local television stations, a media roundtable and concluded with attending Chalk Talk. The season ticket holder-only event, led by Denari, was conducted in front of nearly 150 fans.

Throughout the day, Richie emphasized the celebration ahead for year 20, future hopes for the league, creating an expansion committee in the near future and All-Star Tamika Catchings.

“Tamika has done just about everything you can do. She represents all that we as a league stand for,” Richie said of the Fever superstar. “How can she be so nice, so lovely and so giving, but so dastardly on the court? It’s amazing to see her maintain that level of consistency.”

She also touched on how next season would work with it being an Olympic year. Richie says the break will be similar to the past, which is about a month.

In addition to it being an Olympic year, the Final Four will be housed at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, it will be Catchings’ last season, as well as the league’s 20th in existence.

“There is basketball happening here at multiple levels. It’s going to be a fun time in Indy next year.”