Nneka Ogwumike news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Nneka Ogwumike announced her retirement from the WNBA after 15 seasons. Her legacy includes a historic CBA raising average salary to $600,000.
Background
Nneka Ogwumike, a 36-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, announced her retirement on August 19, 2026, during an interview on 'Boardroom Talks' with Taylor Rooks. She is an 11-time All-Star, 2016 MVP and champion, and has served as WNBPA president since 2016, leading the union through two CBA negotiations, including the 2026 deal that raised average salaries to around $600,000.
How it unfolded
- 2012Ogwumike was the No. 1 draft pick and began her WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks.
- 2016She won the WNBA championship and was named MVP, also becoming WNBPA president.
- 2026 offseasonShe re-signed with the Sparks on a one-year deal and helped negotiate a historic CBA that raised average salaries to around $600,000.
- Aug 19, 2026Ogwumike announced her retirement at the end of the 2026 season during an interview on 'Boardroom Talks'.
- recentlyShe received an outpouring of support, including from her sister Chiney, and will remain WNBPA president until the next election.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- WNBPA statement: 'Nneka will retire at the end of this season leaving the WNBA much better than she found it.'
- Analysts
- Analysts note her retirement comes while she is still playing at an All-Star level, averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
- Public
- Fans and peers, including her sister Chiney, celebrated her career and legacy on social media.
Still unverified
It is unclear whether Ogwumike will play in Project B after her WNBA retirement, as she has a deal with the league but has not confirmed her plans.