Bullets Select Woman as Team President

Owner Abe Pollin of the Washington Bullets named Susan O’Malley team president Thursday, making her the first female in NBA history to hold that title.

“Being the first woman, it’s important that I don’t mess it up for others,” O’Malley said. “I just plan to work hard and do the right thing. . . . I am both honored and challenged by this promotion.”

O’Malley, 29, has been the team’s executive vice president since 1988. During that time, the Bullets increased their earnings dramatically, showing a 36% jump in attendance in 1989-90 and another increase last season.

O’Malley said that as president she will be in charge of “everything that happens off the court.” That includes marketing, sales, finances, public relations, broadcasting deals and ticket sales.