As the NBA continues to advance in diversity, the G League is also making strides. In 2023, the NBA reached a milestone with women holding 43.3% of professional staff roles, while the G League saw Tori Miller and Amber Nichols step up as general managers. Now, Katie Benzan has joined their ranks.
Benzan made history by becoming the youngest general manager in NBA G League history at just 27 years old, now overseeing the Salt Lake City Stars. Her impressive resume as both a player and in management speaks volumes. Let’s explore her journey to becoming the youngest GM.
Who is Katie Benzan and What is Her Basketball Background?
Katie Benzan, born on May 16, 1998, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is a former American professional basketball player. While details about her early life are limited, she attended Noble and Greenough School before moving on to Harvard University in 2016. At Harvard, she quickly established herself as a prominent player, earning All-Ivy League First Team honors throughout her three seasons.
She notably recorded a career-high 27 points against Quinnipiac during her junior year. Opting out of her senior year at Harvard, she transferred to the University of Maryland for her graduate year, where she made an immediate impact.
In her inaugural season with the Terrapins, she led the nation in three-point shooting percentage (50%), averaged 12.7 points per game, and set a school record with nine three-pointers in a single game against Iowa. Benzan also broke Maryland’s career three-point percentage record, concluding with an impressive 47.4%.
How Did Katie Benzan Become the Youngest GM in NBA G League History?
After transitioning from player to management, Benzan began her front office career with the Utah Jazz as a basketball operations generalist, a position she held for two seasons (2022–24). Her rapid ascent continued when she was promoted to assistant general manager of the Salt Lake City Stars for the 2024–25 season and also took on the role of pro scouting coordinator for the Jazz, becoming the first woman in the franchise’s history to hold such a front office position.
On June 10, 2025, she was officially promoted to General Manager of the Salt Lake City Stars and will also manage pro scouting for the Utah Jazz in the 2025–26 season. This makes her the youngest female GM in NBA G League history and one of only two women currently holding such a position.
What Sets Katie Benzan Apart as a Young Executive in a Male-Dominated Industry?
Benzan distinguishes herself not only by breaking barriers but also due to her blend of skills. As a former elite athlete, she has an intrinsic understanding of the game. In addition, she holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Maryland, enhancing her communication skills—vital for player interviews, internal reporting, and talent assessment.
Having served as a team captain, she developed a leadership style centered on collaboration and having tough conversations. Despite receiving coaching offers during her collegiate career, she chose to step outside her comfort zone and join the Jazz, paving the way for a new generation of women in the sport. Her journey embodies both talent and bravery.
