2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike announces she’s retiring after this season, her 15th in league

Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 WNBA MVP, announced she will retire after this season, marking the end of her 15-season career in the league. The eight-time All-WNBA forward revealed her decision in an interview with Boardroom Talks, emphasizing her fulfillment with the 15 years of high-level play. Ogwumike, who was drafted first overall in 2012, was named Rookie of the Year that year and earned the MVP title in 2016, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to the WNBA championship.

She expressed pride in playing alongside other elite players like Maya Moore, Tina Thompson, Angel Reese, and A'ja Wilson. Ogwumike, the first player signed by the new basketball venture Project B co-founded by former teammate Alana Beard, stated that she feels content with her career and the state of women's basketball. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Ogwumike for her leadership and dedication to the league, while WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson commended her for a transformative collective bargaining agreement.

Ogwumike will join seven previous players in receiving the distinction of being named one of the 25 players in the first 25 years of the WNBA.