Nneka Ogwumike Announces Intention to Leave Sparks in WNBA Free Agency
January 24, 2024
Nneka Ogwumike will go down in history as a Sparks legend, but the former WNBA MVP will be leaving Los Angeles in free agency this winter, the team told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne on Wednesday.
Sparks managing partner and governor Eric Holoman wrote in a statement to ESPN:
"I want to thank Nneka Ogwumike for 12 incredible seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. Nneka has been a leader and changemaker for the Sparks, the city of Los Angeles, the WNBA, and women's sports. From drafting her No. 1 in 2012, to her game-winning shot in the 2016 WNBA Finals, her 2016 MVP trophy, and so many special memories, her legacy is cemented as one of the greatest to ever wear Purple & Gold."
Ogwumike also took the time to thank L.A. with a post on social media:
Ogwumike has spent her entire 12-year career with the Sparks, which selected her first overall in the 2012 WNBA draft out of Stanford. She felt it was best to inform the franchise of her decision to move on "as soon as possible so Los Angeles could adjust its offseason approach," according to Shelburne.
In addition to meeting with the Sparks, the 33-year-old has also met with the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky since the WNBA's free agent negotiating period opened on Sunday, per Shelburne.
Ogwumike also intends to meet with the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty before making a decision on her future, Shelburne added.
The Liberty would give Ogwumike perhaps her best chance at another WNBA title. The franchise reached the WNBA Finals last season for the first time since the 2002 campaign in part thanks to Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart.
However, New York fell to the Aces in four games as Las Vegas went on to win its second straight WNBA title.
Ogwumike exits the Sparks ranking second in franchise history in games played (355), points (5,883) and field goals made (2,302). She also ranks first in franchise history in steals (549) and field goal percentage (54.5) and third in rebounds (2,679).
Ogwumike won the 2016 WNBA title with the Sparks and was also named the league's MVP that same year after averaging 19.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in 33 games while shooting 66.5 percent from the floor.
She's coming off a 2023 season that saw her average 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 36 games while shooting 51.2 percent from the floor.
Ogwumike, like all of the WNBA's free agents, will be eligible to sign deals beginning Feb. 1.