Nneka Ogwumike Calling an End to Her 15-Year Career Draws Praise From Angel Reese & Cameron Brink
36-year-old Nneka Ogwumike has been one of the most consistent players to ever set foot on a WNBA floor.
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Nneka Ogwumike calls it a career (Image via Uche 3D/X)
WNBA fans know Nneka Ogwumike as the player who drove the league into a new era, where her peers are now earning million-dollar salaries and enjoying the best facilities.
It is a far cry from the time when the forward first arrived in the league as a first-overall pick for the Los Angeles Sparks. At the time, players had to somehow make it through long flights sitting in cramped commercial seats, while also waiting in line just like common folk did.
They were also forced to play overseas in the offseason to earn meaningful money that would be needed to pay for gyms and trainers who could help them stay in shape.
Now, players have access to everything for free, travel in team-chartered planes, and can even forgo the idea of spending their offseason playing abroad with the salaries and endorsements they now enjoy.
Many will be quick to claim that this is all due to the Caitlin Clark effect. However, there was no doubt that Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and her sleuth of owners were not willing to pay what players wanted.
That led to protests at the 2025 All-Star Game, players publicly calling out the league, and even requiring grueling negotiations over a week that finally bore fruit. Now, after completing her mission by providing her peers with what they deserved, Nneka Ogwumike is calling it a career.
Since I came into the league, you’ve shown me nothing but love and treated me like I was one of your own. My first vet. One of my GOATS.
Angel Reese wrote on IG
This was the Atlanta Dream star giving the 15-year veteran her flowers. Angel Reese added that Nneka Ogwumike is not just a great player, but an even greater person off the court, and that is her legacy.
Cameron Brink joins to give Nneka Ogwumike her flowers
Nneka Ogwumike decided to step away on her own terms rather than wait and negotiate another contract next offseason. She is aware that changes are incoming at the Los Angeles Sparks, and the veteran might become a cap casualty.
After all, they traded away Kelsey Plum to focus back on rebuilding the team. Usually, that does not include older players, particularly those who command high salaries.
The greatest honor to play by your side.
Cameron Brink wrote on IG
This was from the player who will eventually replace Nneka Ogwumike at her position. This season, Cameron Brink has been learning from her much more accomplished veteran, and the impact of those lessons has been evident.
The lanky center is having her best year, which is commendable considering how she was losing out on her status as one of the best young stars of the league. It seems her mentor helped her get back on track to become an impactful player and possibly a future All-Star.
Sparks will be in rebuilding phase without Nneka Ogwumike
With Kelsey Plum gone and Nneka Ogwumike retiring, it is clear that the Los Angeles Sparks are going to focus on rebuilding a squad that should have been competing for a playoff spot.
They traded away crucial assets to acquire the All-Star guard, but injuries and the team’s overall underperformance soured their relationship. Now, the team has an additional first-round pick to lean into next season.
With quite a few top-tier prospects coming through the college ranks, expect the Sparks to use both their picks to land players who can help get the team back towards being a playoff contender.
Current young stars such as Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell, along with veteran All-Star Dearica Hamby, are likely to be the building blocks for their future. Rest assured, there will be no Nnkea Ogwumike to go through another rebuild.
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