One of the legends of both the WNBA and the Sparks will be stepping aside at the end of the season.
On Wednesday morning, Nneka Ogwumike announced her retirement once her 17th season comes to an end.
“I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I’ve been able to play and compete at such a high level and I’m proud to say I’m retiring from the WNBA,” Ogwumike said in an interview posted to Boardroom’s social media accounts.
“It feels good,” Ogwumike added on her decision. “It feels good because I’m doing it on my terms in a way that I’ve always kind of envisioned. Even though I didn’t know what kind of player that I could be in this leauge, I never thought that I would play this long. Never thought that I would be the type of player to play this long. But I do know how I want to leave the game. I do know how I want to leave my career.”
Even in what will be her final season, Ogwumike has been a reliable starter, averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 50.9% from the field and 38.7% from the 3-point line. In a Sparks season marred by injuries and underperformance, Nneka has been one of the consistent shining lights.
Ogwumike will leave the league as one of its most decorated players ever. She earned eight All-WNBA and seven All-Defense honors while being named the MVP in 2016.
This season, she became the all-time leading scorer in Sparks history, passing Lisa Leslie. She will finish top five all-time in points, rebounds and steals upon her retirement.
The Sparks will finish the regular season at home against the Valkyries on Sep. 24. Six of their final nine games of the season will be in Los Angeles, which will offer fans the chance to show their appreciation for Madame President in the final months of her career.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
