Howard Megdal

Special for USA TODAY Sports

The long wait for a new WNBA president has come to an end, with the league naming longtime political and corporate executive Lisa M. Borders as the replacement for Laurel Richie Wednesday afternoon.

The news comes as the WNBA prepares for its 20th season, ahead of a new and more aggressive push by the NBA to more forcefully market the longest-standing women's league in the United States.

“The WNBA has reached a significant milestone, and I feel privileged to be joining the league at such an exciting time,” Borders said in a statement. “I have always been a staunch supporter of this league and its tremendous athletes. I am impressed by their talent and inspired by their passion. The athleticism of the game and the sportsmanship exhibited between teams offers clear evidence of our ability to grow women’s basketball.”

Borders, who served most recently as chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation and Vice President of Global Community Affairs, will begin in the new post March 21.

“As a proven executive with a passion for the WNBA and the game of basketball, Lisa is the right leader at a pivotal time in the league’s history,” NBA commissioner Silver said in a statement. “She will be responsible for spearheading our efforts to strengthen the WNBA and accelerate its growth.”