If you were wondering why WNBA President Laurel Richie was not at the Dallas Wings press conference on Monday, I think we may have found our answer.
The league stunned many yesterday when they announced that Richie will be stepping down as president effective Nov. 9th. Per the WNBA:
“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.
“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.
………
“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.”
Following the midday announcement, many of the league’s players took to social media to express their thoughts and gratitude for Richie’s commitment to the league:
Thanks Laurel Richie @wnbaprez for your commitment to growing the game. Best of luck in your next adventure!
— Elena Delle Donne (@De11eDonne) November 4, 2015
Grateful for all Laurel Richie did for the league. Her leadership and vision will be greatly missed. #WNBA https://t.co/eNGkMdx92k — Candice Wiggins (@candicewiggins) November 4, 2015
Wishing Laurel Richie all the best, and we thank you for all that you have accomplished for the WNBA! https://t.co/rrDhN7IQXZ — Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) November 4, 2015
Richie joined the @WNBA in May 2011, becoming the first African-American to lead a major sports league. Read more: https://t.co/yjGMJCSSrB — Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) November 4, 2015
Hmmmm https://t.co/qLvfZxghy4 — Skylar Diggins (@SkyDigg4) November 4, 2015
In a phone interview late Wednesday night with the Associated Press, Richie gave some insight on her decision and reactions from the WNBA family:
”I would say it was an amazing ride,” Richie said in a phone interview Wednesday night. Richie said the decision to go was hers and she wasn’t forced out. ”It feels like it’s time,” she said. ”I think really taking stock at what’s been accomplished in the last five seasons. I’m proud of the work that we were able to accomplish.” ”It’s been very humbling today when the news came out,” she said. ”The number of emails I received from young women in the league office and across our teams and actually from our players as well, reaching out and saying thank you for your leadership and thank you for being a role model.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also shared his thoughts, and how he was notified of the news as well:
“Laurel initiated this,” Silver said. “When you hit a milestone like 20 years, whether it was Laurel leading the league or somebody else, it’s natural to take a step back and ask, ‘Where is it that we want to be?'” “I don’t have a list of candidates somewhere,” Silver said. “But we will do a very thorough national search. In the meantime, [NBA deputy commissioner] Mark Tatum will be very involved. These next several months are important for the WNBA.”
While some were not surprised by the news, many more were, like myself. Richie did the best she could over the past five years and, as fans, we are proud of her and have benefited greatly her dedication. The beauty about moments like these are the conversations that take place, which are very necessary, thought-provoking, and exciting. Since you’ve reached the end of our recap, take the time to dive into some of these op-ed pieces by some of my personal favorite fellow writers and media who cover this great league:
- “WNBA: Seven Reasons Why the Writing Was On the Wall for Laurel Richie’s Exit”–C. Coward (Hoopfeed)
- “How the Next WNBA President Can Take the League To A New Level”–Nina Mendell (For The Win)
- “Sorting Out The State of The WNBA”–David Berri (Vice Sports)
After doing so, tell us what you think in the comment section below, and who do you think should take over the WNBA as they enter a landmark 20th season.
