Los Angeles Sparks veteran Nneka Ogwumike announced she is retiring at the end of the 2026 season. Ogwumike announced the news in a recent interview with Taylor Rooks on “Boardroom Talks”. After rejoining the Sparks in free agency this offseason, Ogwumike will finish her career with the franchise that drafted her the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft.
She led the Sparks to a WNBA championship in 2016, the same year she won the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award. Ogwumike was also the 2012 WNBA Rookie of the Year and went on to earn 11 WNBA All-Star selections and eight All-WNBA honors throughout 15 seasons in the league. Ogwumike spent 13 of those 15 seasons with the Sparks.
She played the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Seattle Storm. Now, it means recognizing when you feel complete. I find myself grateful, fulfilled and at peace with everything this game has given me and everything I’ve poured into it.” In addition to her talents on the court, Ogwumike has served the WNBA as the president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association.
She first took on the role in 2016 and will remain the president through the 2026 season. She is a champion and MVP, one of the most accomplished players of all time, and a fierce competitor who has represented the very best our game has to offer. For 15 seasons, Nneka has led with grace and conviction, competed with an unmistakable spark, and carried herself with a generosity and thoughtfulness that have earned the admiration of everyone across our game.
I have been fortunate to work closely with Nneka over the years and have been inspired by her passion and unwavering commitment to the players. It has been a privilege to watch her remarkable journey, and while there is still more basketball to be played this season, we congratulate her on an extraordinary career and look forward to celebrating her in the months ahead.”
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