By Christopher Kwiecinski
After possibly the best season the WNBA’s 22-year history, the league finds itself without top executive leadership.
Lisa Borders, president of the WNBA for the last three seasons, has stepped down from her position to become the Chief Executive Officer of Time’s Up, according to a release from the WNBA.
“We are extremely grateful for Lisa’s leadership and tireless commitment to the WNBA,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “This is a natural transition for Lisa knowing what a champion she is for issues involving women’s empowerment and social justice and fortunately for us, she leaves the league with strong tailwinds propelling it forward.”
Borders took over as the league’s president in 2016, after her predecessor, Laurel Richie, stepped down to pursue other endeavors in November 2015.
During her tenure, Borders oversaw growth of attendance in the league and engaged the league in other endeavors.
In 2017, the WNBA recorded its highest regular-season attendance totals in six years, while also having games live-streamed on Twitter and had full WNBA player rosters installed on NBA Live 18.
In 2018, Borders oversaw the league’s most-watched season in four years, with viewership rising on ESPN and NBA TV platforms. The rise in viewership culminated in a 33-percent increase from the 2017 WNBA Finals to the 2018 WNBA Finals.
She was instrumental in bringing a WNBA team to Las Vegas.
“It has been an honor and my absolute privilege leading the WNBA and being part of what it stands for,” Borders said in a statement. “I want to thank Adam for giving me the opportunity and support to help grow this league. I am most proud of the W players for their amazing talents on the court and their dedication to making an impact in their communities.”
The league said a nationwide search for its next president will begin immediately.
