By Charles Hallman
Staff Writer
WNBA President Laurie Richie said it finally hit her that she is the first Black woman to lead a major league sport. “I don’t think you ever get over the significance of something like that,” admitted the league’s third president and first woman of color to lead a pro basketball league.
“I have embraced it and am excited by it. I feel very, very proud to be trailblazing, and I feel incredible support from the African American community, from women across the country, and from those in the league who have gone before [me].
“I may be the first,” continued Richie, “but I don’t feel that I am in it alone.”
Since assuming her duties in April, Richie has conducted a “listening tour” around the 12-team league. “I’m visiting each team, meeting with staff, players, coaches, fans and the media,” she told reporters prior to the July 16 Minnesota Lynx-Connecticut Sun contest — Minnesota was one of her last stops. “I am encouraged by the fact that all of our teams are heading in the right direction. Sponsorships are up and our [season ticket] renewals are at an all-time high.”
Her tour is “the first phase” as she devises her long-range plans for the WNBA, continued Richie. She expects to unveil it by the end of the calendar year.
“I feel that I am on track for December,” the president said. “I will have visited all 12 teams, and from there I then want to go on and really sit down and take some time to sort through what I’ve learned. The learning part of it was absolutely critical for me, and it has been invaluable.”
When a reporter asked what she had learned about Minnesota, Richie said, “I think this team is in very good shape and in good hands.”
Unlike her predecessor who would often mention the possibility of expansion, Richie instead downplayed that possibility at the moment. “I am solely focused on the 12 teams that comprise the league,” she pointed out, adding that she wants each team to be “rock solid.”
“Down the road — yes, I hope that expansion is on the horizon,” noted Richie.
She added that the annual All-Star game (this year it is in San Antonio) should move around — this year’s contest is away from the East Coast for only the second time ever. “I think it is a good thing that it goes to different places and different cities so that everyone has the opportunity to participate without having to necessarily get on a plane to do so,” said Richie.
What also has surprised her is how fans around the league love the WNBA. “I knew they were fans and knew that they really care about the game and the players, but looking back on my days in corporate America [she was a longtime advertising exec], I would have paid money to have anyone who purchased a product or service that I was marketing feel as loyal, as passionate and connected to our product as the WNBA fans feel to this game,” said Richie.
“I don’t know if it’s surprising or not, but it’s gratifying, and I think it is a strong foundation to build upon.”
The players’ overall character makeup on and off the court — nearly 70 percent are Black — has surprised her as well. “I am so proud to be their leader,” said Richie. “They are amazing women.”
“She came in so polite,” remarked Minnesota guard Monica Wright after the league president stopped by a Lynx practice the day before and spoke to the team. “We love her automatically — she’s so genuine.”
“I think that she’s passionate, experienced, and knows what needs to be done to get this league going in the right direction,” added Lynx forward Rebekkah Brunson. “She has all of our support.”
“I view my work and my role as building, leveraging, and taking [the league] to the next level,” concluded Richie.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
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