Diane Richardson Leads Charge for WNBA Franchise in Philadelphia

Temple coach champions women's basketball, aims to transform sport's landscape in the city

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Diane Richardson, a former corporate executive turned Temple women's basketball coach, is at the forefront of bringing a WNBA franchise to Philadelphia. Her passion for mentoring young girls through the sport and her personal connection to the game through her adopted daughter, Jonquel Jones, a professional player, have fueled Richardson's mission to elevate women's basketball in the city.

Why it matters

Richardson's efforts to promote women's basketball in Philadelphia, including hosting the successful 'Unrivaled' event, have generated significant enthusiasm for the sport's future in the city. Her work aims to change the narrative surrounding the WNBA and ensure young girls in Philly see professional women's basketball up close, serving as a powerful representation.

The details

After a successful corporate career, Richardson made a bold move to pursue coaching, inspired by her encounter with former college coach and commentator Carolyn Peck. As the Temple coach since 2022, Richardson has embraced the city's basketball culture, particularly the significance of the Big 5, and has become a vocal advocate for professional women's basketball. Her dedication extends beyond the court, as she actively engages her team in community events to foster a deeper connection with the city.

  • Richardson became the Temple women's basketball coach in 2022.
  • The 'Unrivaled' women's basketball event, which Richardson helped organize, sold out in a matter of days in 2026.
  • Philadelphia is expected to receive a WNBA franchise in 2030.

The players

Diane Richardson

A former corporate executive who made a career change to pursue coaching, Richardson is the current head coach of the Temple women's basketball team and a passionate advocate for bringing a WNBA franchise to Philadelphia.

Jonquel Jones

Richardson's adopted daughter, who is a professional basketball player, further fueling Richardson's passion for the sport and her mission to elevate women's basketball in Philadelphia.

Carolyn Peck

A former college basketball coach and commentator whose dedication to elevating women's sports inspired Richardson to leave her corporate career and pursue coaching.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The exposure allows the players to envision their future in the sport.”

— Diane Richardson, Temple Women's Basketball Coach

“It is 'true basketball' deserving of respect.”

— Diane Richardson, Temple Women's Basketball Coach

What’s next

Philadelphia is expected to receive a WNBA franchise in 2030, and Richardson's efforts to promote women's basketball in the city are seen as crucial to ensuring the team's success and popularity.

The takeaway

Richardson's inspiring journey from the corporate world to coaching, combined with her personal connection to the sport and her tireless advocacy, have positioned her as a driving force behind the push for a WNBA franchise in Philadelphia. Her work aims to change the narrative surrounding women's basketball and ensure young girls in the city have powerful role models to look up to.