As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we examine those who’ve opened doors across all professional platforms. We were particularly drawn to our history makers in sports, as the industry has always been dominated by men.
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The National Basketball Association is, however, taking note of our highly valuable contributions to the athletic arena, working to even the score board between men and women off the court. According to a report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES), “Women held 40.9% of all professional positions in the NBA league office” and people of color made up 35.1% of professional staff positions.
We focus in on several of those women who’ve not only helped close the gender barriers, but who have also made history in the league and its extension, the WNBA. Get to know these five women in the NBA, making history off the court.
Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon shattered the glass ceiling last year when she became assistant coach to the San Antonio Spurs. She is the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NBA.
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Violet Palmer
Violet Palmer made history as the National Basketball Association’s first woman referee in 1997. In 2006, she made history again as the first woman to officiate a playoff game.
Laurel J. Richie
Laurel J. Richie is the WNBA’s third president over the course of its 15-year history. Richie is the first African American to head a national sports league.
Michele Roberts
There had never been a woman executive
director for the National Basketball Player’s Association until Michele Roberts filled the position last year. As executive director, Roberts is also the first woman to head a major professional sports union.Pam El
Pam El is the Chief Marketing Officer for the league. Taking on the role made El the first African American and the first woman to do so.