Ohemaa Nyanin, a Ghanaian-American with a rich background in basketball and international sports management, has been appointed as the General Manager of the WNBA Golden State, a new expansion team set to begin play in the 2025 season.

This groundbreaking appointment was announced by the Golden State Warriors on May 8, 2024. Nyanin, born to Ghanaian parents and having lived in various countries, brings a wealth of experience and a unique global perspective to her new role.

She previously served as an assistant GM for the New York Liberty and played a key role in the team’s recent success. Her educational background includes 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 appointment marks a significant milestone not only for her but also for the representation of African and Ghanaian women in the upper echelons of professional sports management.

At her unveiling, Nyanin paid homage to her roots by speaking Twi, one of Ghana’s major languages, during her speech. This gesture not only highlighted her pride in her heritage but also underscored the growing diversity and global reach of the WNBA and professional sports in general.

As the General Manager of the Golden State’s WNBA team, 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.

Her extensive knowledge of the WNBA and international women’s basketball, coupled with her comprehensive professional experience, positions her well to lead the team into its inaugural season and beyond.