Donna Orender steps down as WNBA president

Donna Orender, who has served as the president of the WNBA since 2005, has decided to step down from her position to launch an independent marketing, media and strategy company. She will continue to be involved with the league as a consultant.

"It was simply time for me to take this step in my life," Orender said in a news release. "My work on behalf of women and girls around the world will only deepen as will my ongoing engagement in sports."

Orender succeeded Val Ackerman, who was the league's president for its first eight seasons. The search for a new president will begin immediately, and NBA senior vice president Chris Granger will take over in the interim.

--Melissa Rohlin