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Nneka Ogwumike, a free agent forward player, plans to meet with Liberty instead of going back to Sparks
Nneka Ogwumike and the Los Angeles Sparks shared a successful 12-year journey.
During their time together, the forward-center achieved notable milestones such as winning the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award in 2012, securing her sole All-WNBA First Team selection in 2016, and clinching a WNBA Finals along with the WNBA Finals MVP honors in 2016. Ogwumike consistently showcased her talent, earning All-Star selections in eight of those seasons.
However, this chapter is concluding as Ogwumike has communicated to the Sparks, the only WNBA team she has ever played for, that she will not be returning in free agency. This decision marks the 33-year-old’s prime and likely final opportunity to explore new opportunities as an unrestricted free agent.
The Sparks shared the news with ESPN and issued a statement through managing partner and governor Eric Holoman.
“I extend my gratitude to Nneka Ogwumike for an incredible 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks,” Holoman expressed. “Nneka has been a leader and a trailblazer for the Sparks, the city of Los Angeles, the WNBA, and women’s sports. From her No. 1 draft selection in 2012 to her game-winning shot in the 2016 WNBA Finals, her 2016 MVP recognition, and numerous cherished memories, her legacy is firmly established as one of the greatest to don the Purple & Gold.”
With the league’s negotiating window opening on Sunday, Ogwumike, drafted first overall in 2012, is reportedly scheduled to meet with the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm, the WNBA Finals runner-up.
Having already engaged with the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, and Phoenix Mercury, Ogwumike also met with the Sparks, informing them of her decision as a courtesy and allowing Los Angeles the chance to adjust its offseason plans.
The Sparks concluded the 2023 season with a 17-23 record and did not qualify for the playoffs. They currently hold the second pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
