Nneka Ogwumike to Retire from WNBA After 2026 Season
Nneka Ogwumike, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, has declared her intention to retire from the WNBA following the conclusion of the 2026 season. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking the end of a notable career that includes a championship and MVP title with the Sparks in 2016.
Ogwumike, who was the first overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, quickly made her mark by winning the Rookie of the Year award. Despite the Sparks' current struggles, she continues to perform well, averaging 16.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. After spending 12 years with the Sparks, she played two seasons with the Seattle Storm before returning to Los Angeles for the 2026 season.
Throughout her career, Ogwumike has been recognized with numerous accolades, including 11 All-Star selections and a place on the WNBA's 25th anniversary team. She has also played a significant role off the court as the president of the WNBPA since 2016, advocating for player rights and leading the union through critical negotiations. Although she is retiring from the WNBA, Ogwumike plans to participate in Project B, a new professional league set to launch in 2027.
