On September 27, 2025, the Warriors announced several front office promotions, including Ryan Atkinson’s move to Senior Director of Basketball Operations. Highlighted by ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, the promotion reflects Atkinson’s 13 years of service and growing impact within the organization.

Atkinson’s path to this point is a classic story of working your way up. He first joined the Warriors’ system over a decade ago with their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. His reputation for identifying talent and his strong work ethic have made him a respected figure. Head coach Steve Kerr has acknowledged his importance, stating, “Ryan’s been great. He’s been a part of this organization for quite a while, and he’s well respected in these walls.” His new role places him at the heart of the team’s future planning.

Who Is Ryan Atkinson in the Golden State Warriors’ Front Office?

In his promoted role as Senior Director of Basketball Operations, Ryan Atkinson holds a key leadership position. He oversees critical day-to-day functions within the basketball operations department. This includes managing player development programs and coordinating activities between the NBA team and the Santa Cruz Warriors. His work ensures both teams align strategically, which is crucial for developing young talent.

Atkinson’s impact is often seen in the success of players who come through the G League system. He played a part in identifying and signing contributors like Juan Toscano-Anderson and Mychal Mulder. His eye for overlooked talent has helped the Warriors build a deeper bench over the years. This ability to find value where others might not look is a key reason for his rise within the organization.

His position is vital for the Golden State Warriors‘ famous “two-timeline” approach to team building. Atkinson helps balance the goal of winning now with Stephen Curry while preparing for the future. He works closely with other executives like David Fatoki, who was also recently promoted. Together, they focus on sustaining the team’s competitive edge through smart player development and roster management.

What Is Ryan Atkinson by Background and Education?

Ryan Atkinson built his career on a solid educational foundation. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Missouri Western State University. He then pursued a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of San Francisco. This academic background gave him the theoretical knowledge needed for a career in sports operations.

While studying for his master’s degree in the Bay Area, Atkinson gained practical experience through several jobs. He worked as a locker room attendant for the Golden State Warriors and also held a position with the Oakland Athletics. To make ends meet, he even worked overnight shifts driving trucks for Target. These demanding roles taught him the value of hard work and perseverance.

This combination of education and hands-on experience was essential. His time at USF allowed him to make valuable connections in the industry. The grueling schedule of jobs and studies prepared him for the demanding nature of NBA operations. It laid the groundwork for his eventual entry into professional basketball’s front office world.

What Roles Did He Have Before Moving Into the Warriors’ Main Office?

Atkinson’s professional journey began in the NBA G League. His first break came with the Reno Bighorns during the 2010-11 season. He served as an Assistant Video Coordinator and handled basketball operations tasks. This entry-level role involved everything from cutting game film to helping with team travel, providing a wide-ranging introduction to the business.

He quickly advanced, becoming the Director of Basketball Operations for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers from 2011 to 2013. His tenure there included a championship win in 2013. In 2013, he joined the Santa Cruz Warriors, starting as Director of Basketball Operations. He steadily climbed the ladder to become Assistant General Manager and then General Manager by 2019.

After eight years in Santa Cruz, Atkinson moved to the Golden State Warriors’ main office in July 2021. His first role was as Director of Team Development. He was later promoted to Director of Basketball Development in 2023 before reaching his current senior director position. This gradual progression shows the trust the organization has in his skills and judgment.