WNBA news: Nneka Ogwumike’s retirement announcement draws Cathy Engelbert statement appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Los Angeles Sparks All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike shocked the WNBA world on Wednesday afternoon when she announced her retirement plans following the 2026 season. The 15-year veteran returned to the Sparks this season after playing the last two years with the Seattle Storm, and she will end her career where it all began. Shortly after Ogwumike’s announcement, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert released an announcement of her own.
Advertisement
“There is no telling the story of the WNBA’s recent growth and evolution without Nneka Ogwumike. Her extraordinary career has been defined not only by excellence, but by the way she has led and lifted those around her. 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,” Engelbert wrote in her statement.
“Nneka has led with grace and conviction, competed with an unmistakable spark, and carried herself with a generosity and thoughtfulness that have earned her the admiration of everyone across our game.”
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
Cathy Engelbert went on to give overall congratulations to Ogwumike and to credit her for leaving the WNBA in a much better place than when she entered the league.
Advertisement
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, Nneka Ogwumike played 13 of her 15 seasons in the league with the Sparks. She was the 2016 MVP, the same year she helped lead the franchise to its third championship. Amid Ogwumike’s return, she’s continued to etch her name in the WNBA history books.
This season, she has appeared in 34 of the Sparks’ 35 games at a little over 31 minutes per game. She’s averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals with splits of 50.9 percent shooting from the field, 38.7 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 84.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
Related: Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike makes retirement announcement after 15 WNBA seasons
Related: Sparks veteran guard’s status in doubt for Sun clash
