WNBA president Laurel Richie resigns, Mark Tatum interim replacement
WNBA president Laurel J. Richie has resigned her position, the league announced Wednesday, and will be replaced on an interim basis by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum.
Richie joined the league in May 2011, following a career as vice president and chief marketing officer for Girl Scouts of the USA.
“We thank Laurel for her five seasons of service and commitment to the WNBA and wish her success in her future endeavors,” Tatum said in a statement. “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 on-court product.”
The league said Richie is leaving her position “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.”
The WNBAannounced earlier this week that the Tulsa Shock will be known as the Dallas Wings when they relocate next season. The league’s membership stayed stable at 12 teams during Richie’s tenure and the Tulsa franchise was the only one to relocate.
- Dan Gartland
