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Stern appoints president ahead of WNBA's formation

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 12:45 AM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Stern appoints president ahead of WNBA's formation
Summary

In April 1996, NBA commissioner David Stern named a president to oversee the inception of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). This decision was made while the U.S. women's basketball team celebrated its gold medal victory in Atlanta. Stern's confidence in the appointee stemmed from her resilience and capability to manage the league's challenges. The WNBA was conceptualized to capitalize on the momentum of the national team’s success, marking a significant development for women's basketball in the United States.

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Key Details
  • •David Stern appointed a president for the WNBA in April 1996.
  • •The decision coincided with the U.S. women's gold medal win in Atlanta.
  • •Stern valued the appointee's ability to manage pressures and challenges.
  • •The WNBA's formation aimed to leverage the national team's success.
Latest Updates
  • 12:45 AMYahoo Sports — He named her president, of course, not commissioner. …
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He named her president, of course, not commissioner. …

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