Ogwumike to retire after 2026 season with Sparks

Nneka Ogwumike announced she will retire from the WNBA at the end of the 2026 season, concluding a 15-year run with the Sparks after a two-year stint in Seattle. The 2016 MVP and champion has been a cornerstone of Los Angeles, averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds this season and climbing to fourth all-time in Sparks scoring while ranking among the league’s leaders in rebounds. Ogwumike has longstanding impact off the court as the WNBPA president since 2016, guiding two CBAs and contributing to a transformational rise in salaries. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Sparks, who are currently vying to make the playoffs and could see her last game on Sept. 24 if the team misses the postseason. Throughout her career she has been an 11-time All-Star, eight-time All-WNBA, and a defining figure for both her franchise and the league. Her legacy extends beyond stats, as she helped shape the modern era of women’s basketball and player leadership, with continued involvement in initiatives like Project B on the horizon.