Warriors Announce Jess Smith as President of New WNBA Team

The Golden State Warriors have announced the appointment of Jess Smith as the president of their new WNBA team. Building on her successful career and experience as the head of revenue for the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City FC, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to the organization. With over 18 years in the sports industry, she has also worked with prominent teams like the San Jose Earthquakes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Oakland Athletics. Smith will officially take up her new position on February 14.

Smith’s vision for the Warriors’ WNBA team is ambitious, aiming for significant growth on all fronts. The Golden State team, set to compete in 2025 as the league’s 13th club, will play their home games at the state-of-the-art Chase Center in San Francisco and establish their team headquarters in Oakland. Their decision to prioritize player experience aligns with the changing landscape of women’s sports.

With her track record of success, Smith has already made an impact in the sports industry. During her time with Angel City FC, the team reportedly generated mid-eight figures in revenue in their debut year, outperforming other teams not only in their league but also in the WNBA. The club’s unique sponsorship models, including one that dedicated 10% of sponsorship dollars to community initiatives in Los Angeles, earned recognition.

The Warriors were impressed by Smith’s accomplishments, as they seek to craft a thriving WNBA franchise. The team’s owner, Joe Lacob, boldly proclaimed their intention to win a championship within five years and become the revenue leader in the league. Smith shares their drive for excellence, striving to make history and leave a lasting legacy.

Community engagement will be a primary focus for the new franchise, with equity being a pillar of their mission. The organization plans to finalize the team name and branding in the coming months, while also hiring a general manager to oversee basketball operations.

The Warriors’ commitment to the WNBA is already evident, as 4,000 people have placed deposits for season tickets. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has confirmed that an expansion draft will take place before the end of the year, marking an exciting development for women’s basketball.

Smith and the Warriors are determined to set their team apart, not only through their on-court performance but also by pushing the boundaries of what a women’s sports franchise can achieve. They aim to inspire other organizations to follow suit and contribute to the remarkable growth potential of women’s sports.