WNBA president Laurel J. Richie stepping down

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2015, file photo, WNBA president Laurel Richie speaks prior to Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, in Minneapolis. WNBA president Laurel Richie is stepping down after more than four years on the job. The WNBA said in a release Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, file photo, that Richie is leaving to pursue other opportunities that include being an advocate for girls and young women.(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2015, file photo, WNBA president Laurel Richie speaks prior to Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, in Minneapolis. WNBA president Laurel Richie is stepping down after more than four years on the job. The WNBA said in a release Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, file photo, that Richie is leaving to pursue other opportunities that include being an advocate for girls and young women.(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

By Associated Press November 4, 2015 2 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – WNBA president Laurel J. Richie is stepping down after more than four years on the job.

The WNBA said in a release Wednesday that Richie is leaving to pursue other opportunities that include being an advocate for girls and young women.

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum will oversee the WNBA until a new president is hired. A search for the new league president will begin immediately.

“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.”