Nneka Ogwumike intends to sign with Los Angeles Sparks: 'Returning home'

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAYFri, April 10, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC

0

As free agency continues, it can be hard to keep up with all the movement. USA TODAY has you covered with the latest news, rumors, updates and more here.

WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike helped the players' union negotiate a new CBA and now it's her turn for a new deal. The 14-year veteran has decided to return home "on her terms" during 2026 WNBA free agency.

Ogwumike announced her intention to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks, the franchise she brought a WNBA title to in 2016 during her 12-year stint in the City of Angels. Ogwumike made the announcement on social media Friday, captioning a video montage of her Sparks highlights, "It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon."

There was speculation that Ogwumike might join the Minnesota Lynx after a Minnesota-based balloon company shared a now-deleted video that showed a "Welcome Nneka" marquee letter and a balloon arrangement on a Lynx basketball court. But Ogwumike officially deflated those rumors with another pair of letters — the iconic Hollywood sign. Her announcement video starts off with the Hollywood sign morphing into "Nneka x LA."

Ogwumike told her sister Chiney Ogwumike, ESPN broadcaster and her former Sparks teammate, that she's “looking forward to returning home," where she'll team up with Kelsey Plum, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. (The Sparks and Sky are reportedly in talks to trade forward Jackson for guard Ariel Atkins, according to Front Office Sports.)

On Thursday evening, Ogwumike confirmed her departure from the Seattle Storm. She shared a social media post that read, "Thank You Seattle." Ogwumike captioned the photo collage filled with memories of her time in Seattle with green and yellow hearts.

The Stanford alum was selected first overall in the 2012 WNBA draft by the Sparks and was named the Rookie of the Year. She led the Sparks to a WNBA title in 2016 alongside Candace Parker after picking up the league's MVP award, averaging a career-high 19.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and recording career-highs from the field (66.5%) and from 3 (61.5%). Her 73.7% true shooting percentage in 2016, which combines field-goal percentage, 3-point and free-throw percentages, set a record for the most efficient shooting performance across a season in the WNBA or NBA. That record stands nearly a decade later.

Following 12 season with the Sparks, Ogwumike signed with the Storm in 2024 and instantly revitalized the franchise. The Storm improved from an 11-29 record in 2023 to 25-15 in 2024 and 23-21 in 2025. The Storm advanced to the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, but the team made first-round exits each of those years. Former head coach Noelle Quinn was fired following the Storm's latest playoff exit in 2025.

Advertisement

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) drives to the basket past San Antonio Stars center Jayne Appel (behind) during the first half at AT&T Center on Aug 10, 2014 in San Antonio, TX, USA.

In her 14th season in the league, Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points (ninth in the league), 7.0 rebounds (13th) and 2.3 assists shooting 51.2% from the field in all 44 games for the Storm. Ogwumike was named an All-Star starter for the fourth consecutive season last year, joining Sue Bird (13), Diana Taurasi (11), Tamika Catchings (10) and Brittney Griner (10) as the only players in WNBA history to receive 10 All-Star nods.

Ogwumike's lengthy resume also includes No. 1 overall draft pick, Rookie of the Year, WNBA champion and MVP, in addition to an All-WNBA First-Team, seven All-WNBA Second Teams and four WNBA All-Defensive First Teams.

"I’m very grateful. I feel like I’ve been telling myself, ‘You’ve been playing a long time. That’s why people keep telling me that I broke this record,'" said Ogwumike, who currently ranks sixth on the WNBA's All-time scoring list (7,305) and seventh all-time in rebounds (3,268). "But I am still really grateful."

Ogwumike had a busy offseason as she helped the WNBPA negotiate a new CBA with the WNBA that "redefines what it means to be a professional in this league," she said in a statement in March after both sides reached a deal.

"This CBA delivers on that commitment," Ogwumike wrote in a statement. "For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars, and raising the professional standard across facilities, staffing, and support. It strengthens housing and retirement, and expands resources for family planning and parental leave."

Ogwumike added, "Thank you to our fans who understood what was at stake, stood with us, and never stopped believing. Now, we get back to work, for ourselves, and for the game we all love."

1 / 0Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round? Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA - After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nneka Ogwumike will sign with Los Angeles Sparks in WNBA free agency

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”