Nneka Ogwumike was the cornerstone of Curt Miller‘s rebuild however after one yr, the previous most useful participant is planning her exit.
Ogwumike, an unrestricted free agent, informed the Sparks she intends to go away after 12 seasons with the franchise that drafted her first total in 2012, an individual near the scenario who isn’t approved to talk publicly confirmed Wednesday. Groups may start negotiating with free brokers on Jan. 21.
ESPN reported Ogwumike’s choice with an announcement from Sparks managing associate Eric Holoman.
“I need to thank Nneka Ogwumike for 12 unimaginable seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks,” the assertion learn. “Nneka has been a frontrunner and changemaker for the Sparks, the town of Los Angeles, the WNBA, and ladies’s sports activities. From drafting her No. 1 in 2012, to her game-winning shot within the 2016 WNBA Finals, her 2016 MVP trophy, and so many particular recollections, her legacy is cemented as one of many biggest to ever put on Purple & Gold.”
Ogwumike was chosen the league MVP in 2016 when the Sparks gained their final title. She was the steadying pressure for the franchise after longtime star Candace Parker left in 2021, and when Miller took over final season with hopes to rebuild the once-proud group, the coach centered his efforts on Ogwumike. She averaged 19.1 factors and eight.8 rebounds final yr, incomes her seventh WNBA All-Star look regardless of the Sparks lacking the playoffs for a 3rd consecutive yr.
Off the courtroom, Ogwumike has led the league by means of main development in viewership and recognition because the president of the WNBA gamers affiliation. She led negotiations for the 2020 collective bargaining settlement that included elevated salaries and journey advantages.
