Ohemaa Nyanin has been named the general manager of the WNBA Golden State team. Nyanin, who joins WNBA Golden State from the New York Liberty, will begin her tenure on May 13, the organization announced on Monday.
Her duty as general manager includes overseeing all basketball operations and she will report to Warriors co-executive chairman and CEO Joe Lacob. Last October, the WNBA announced that it was adding a 13th team in the Bay Area, and that ultimately went to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
“Ohemaa is the perfect fit to lead our WNBA basketball operations as we prepare for our inaugural season in 2025,” Warriors CEO Lacob said. “As we moved through the GM hiring process, it became more apparent each day how impressive and well-versed Ohemaa is in all facets of the business, and as a person. She brings an incredible knowledge of the WNBA and international women’s basketball landscape from her time with the Liberty and USA Basketball. Additionally, she has a deep passion and desire to build a strong culture and, ultimately, win basketball games. We are thrilled to welcome her to Golden State.”
During Nyanin’s five-year period with the New York Liberty, she performed various roles including being the team’s assistant general manager recently.
“I am truly honored to be chosen as the first general manager of WNBA Golden State,” Nyanin said. “Throughout the interview process, it was clear that bringing a WNBA team to the Bay Area was meticulously thought out and those involved are motivated changemakers who will be proactive in growing the league. I look forward to joining this franchise and building a competitive basketball team that the fans deserve.”
Before being with the Liberty team, Nyanin worked for five years as USA Basketball’s assistant director of the women’s national team and helped the team win a gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2018 World Cup in Spain, The Associated Press reported.
Nyanin now joins WNBA Golden State president Jess Smith in welcoming into the league the WNBA’s 13th franchise.