2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike announces she’s retiring after this season, her 15th in league
Nneka Ogwumike has been a vital part of the WNBA’s growth on and off the court the past 15 seasons, from her decorated playing career to her tenure as president of the players’ union. The 36-year-old…
Los Angeles Sparks' Nneka Ogwumike, who has been a cornerstone of the league over the past 15 years, is set to retire at the end of the current season, the WNBA announced. The 36-year-old, an eight-time All-WNBA forward, revealed her decision in an interview with Boardroom Talks. "I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I’ve been able to play and compete at such a high level," she expressed.
Ogwumike, the first overall pick in the 2012 draft out of Stanford, made history as the rookie of the year that same year and was later named the league MVP in 2016, leading the Sparks to a championship. She was honored with the MVP title after scoring the winning shot in Game 5 of the finals, sealing the victory with just seconds remaining.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert lauded Ogwumike, praising her dedication to the sport and the players, stating that her retirement leaves the WNBA in a stronger position than when she joined. Although her playing days are over, Ogwumike plans to continue her basketball journey through Project B, a new venture co-founded by her former teammate Alana Beard.
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