WNBA President Laurel Richie stepping down

President Laurel Richie will be departing from the WNBA to pursue other interests, which will become effective November 9, 2015, the WNBA announced today. The interim president will be NBA  Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, as the search for the next WNBA President is in effect.

Tatum had this to say:

"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."

Here's a quote from Richie:

"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 20^th 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."

In her five-year tenure as President of the WNBA, Richie became the first African American to lead a major sports league. Her hard work and efforts have awarded her as one of the Most Influential African Americans in Sports.

Rene' Kennedy contributed to this report.