NBA scores excellent marks in new study of diversity

ORLANDO, Florida: A new study shows that 43 percent of the professional positions in the NBA's offices are held by women, giving the league its highest grade for gender.

The report issued on Wednesday by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport showed an increase of 2 percent of women from last year in the league office. That's higher than any other American men's pro league in any previous study. The annual study was first issued in 1998.

The highest marks came with 31 women in vice presidential positions during the 2008-09 season, an increase of eight from a year ago.