The Sparks executed their first big move in free agency by bringing back superstar Nneka Ogwumike to the franchise.
Chiney Ogwumike of ESPN, who also happens to be Nneka’s sister, broke the news on Friday.
While free agents can’t sign with teams until Saturday, this is as official as it can be at this time. Nneka herself
shared her return on all of her social media platforms.
Ogwumike was drafted to the Sparks back in 2012 and spent 12 years in Los Angeles.
During her time with the Sparks, she achieved every possible accomplishment. She was named the Rookie of the Year in 2012, made First Team All-WNBA once and Second Team All-WNBA seven times.
Ogwumike was named First Team All-Defense on four occasions and Second Team All-Defense seven times. Back in 2021, she was part of the WNBA 25th Anniversary Team, which was comprised of the best players to ever play in the league.
In 2016, she won the WNBA title and was named MVP. Ogwumike left the Sparks in 2024 and spent the past two seasons with the Storm.
Now, the 10-time All-Star will be rejoining her original team.
This isn’t just a legend returning to Los Angeles. Ogwumike remains one of the most dominant players in the WNBA. Last season, she averaged 18.3 points, seven rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. She was also an All-Star and named Second Team All-WNBA.
With Ogwumike back, the Sparks gain a dominant two-way player and some veteran leadership. Ogwumike comes in as a bona fide superstar who will start in the frontcourt and pair well with guard Kelsey Plum.
With more free agency moves on the way, there is plenty of work to be done regarding this Sparks roster, but Ogwumike is a huge signing and a massive addition.
The Sparks hope adding Ogwumike will expedite their rebuild and get them back to the postseason. Los Angeles is currently suffering its longest playoff drought in franchise history, having missed the postseason for five consecutive years.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
