Longtime basketball executive Ohemaa Nyanin has been appointed as the general manager of the Bay Area’s WNBA expansion team, marking a significant milestone for the franchise as it gears up for its inaugural season in 2025.
Nyanin, who previously served as an assistant GM for the New York Liberty and played a key role in the team’s recent success, brings a wealth of WNBA and international basketball experience to her new role.
Born in the United States to Ghanaian parents and having lived in various countries including the Philippines, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Chile, Nyanin’s diverse background adds a unique perspective to her leadership.
With a Master of Science in justice and public policy from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and foreign language and communications, Nyanin’s educational background complements her extensive professional experience in basketball management.
“I took it one step at a time, and in all the conversations I had with [Golden State Warriors and WNBA owner] Joe Lacob and everyone, I felt a little piece of home,” Nyanin told the Chronicle.
Prior to her tenure with the Liberty, Nyanin served as USA Basketball’s assistant director of the women’s national team, where she worked closely with top WNBA players and contributed to Team USA’s success at the 2016 Olympics.
She has also held key roles in FIBA tournaments, further solidifying her expertise in the global basketball landscape.
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob expressed confidence in Nyanin’s ability to lead the team’s basketball operations, touting her comprehensive knowledge of the WNBA and international women’s basketball.
Nyanin’s immediate focus will be on assembling the rest of the team’s front office staff, including hiring a head coach, and preparing for the upcoming expansion draft.
“This can be all-consuming,” Nyanin remarked. “But my whole career has been looking to work with good people with a common goal and common cause, and I think I’ve found it here.”
With less than a year before the team’s debut, Nyanin faces the monumental task of building a competitive roster from scratch.
Nyanin is optimistic about the journey ahead and looks forward to building a strong organizational culture and competing at the highest level in the WNBA.
