November 4, 2015, Queens, NY WNBA President Laurel J. Richie resigned her post as head of the league. She will be replaced temporarily by NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum until a new president is hired.
Laurel was appointed in 2011, becoming the first African-American to lead a major sports league. The WNBA continued to grow under her tenure, and she was able to secure an 8-year collective bargaining agreement as well as extend the WNBA’s television contract with ESPN through 2025.
In a statement released by the WNBA, “Richie is leaving to pursue other opportunities that include being an advocate for girls and young women.” Clearly, we haven’t heard the last from Richie who will be on the short list for many executive positions in the private and public sectors.
Professor Clifford Benton can be reached at @cliffordbenton.