One of the greatest players in WNBA history is ready to call time on her career.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike told Taylor Rooks that she intends to retire at season’s end.
Ogwumike, 36, is currently in her 15th season out of Stanford and in her second stint with the Sparks. She’s appeared in 34 games this season, averaging 16.9 points on .509 shooting, 8.7 boards and 3.0 assists over 31.3 minutes a night. The Tomball, TX native was named an All-Star this season for the 11th time in her career.
Originally taken with the first overall pick of the 2012 WNBA Draft, Ogwumike spent the first 10 seasons of her career with the Sparks. In 2016, she led the team to a WNBA title and was recognized with the league’s Most Valuable Player award. In 2024, Ogwumike signed with the Seattle Storm for whom she would play two seasons before returning to the Sparks this past spring.
Ogwumike’s name is found throughout the WNBA’s record books. Her 7,879 points are fourth-most all-time in league history. She is third in rebounds at 3,565. Her 129 double-doubles are seventh all-time.
Internationally, Ogwumike has represented the United States on multiple occasions, including in gold medal-winning efforts at a pair of FIBA World Cups.
At 12-23, the Sparks are on course to miss the playoffs. Should that be the case, Ogwumike’s last game will come on Sept. 24 at home to the Golden State Valkyries.
