In Light Of Richie's Departure, Has The NBA Done Enough To Promote The WNBA?

In Light Of Richie's Departure, Has The NBA Done Enough To Promote The WNBA? After five seasons as President of the WNBA, Laurel J. Richie announced yesterday that she is stepping down from her post effective November 9. Entering the league in 2011, Richie followed processors Donna Orender and Val Ackerman, whom both had one skill set that Richie did not – basketball knowledge. However, that did not stop Richie from using her outsider’s perspective to her advantage. She studied the game, the league and its markets. Talking to her today, you would never know that she did not grow up playing hoops. Richie’s departure comes as a shock to those who have followed the notable highlights of her WNBA tenure. Today, there are a record number of franchise marquee sponsorships – ten – since Richie’s start.