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Nneka Ogwumike, an 11-time WNBA All-Star and president of the players' union, will retire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to an outstanding 15-year professional basketball career.
The 36-year-old Los Angeles Sparks forward announced her decision Wednesday during an interview with Boardroom Talks, saying she feels fulfilled by everything she has accomplished throughout her time in the league.
"I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I've been able to play and compete at such a high level," Ogwumike said. She added that when she entered the league, she never imagined she would have such a long career.
Ogwumike was selected first overall by the Sparks in the 2012 WNBA Draft and quickly established herself as one of the league's premier players. In 2016, she helped Los Angeles win the WNBA championship and was named the league's Most Valuable Player during the same season.
She spent the first 12 seasons of her career with Los Angeles before joining the Seattle Storm, where she played for two seasons. Ogwumike then returned to the Sparks, allowing her to finish her career with the franchise that drafted her.
Despite approaching the end of her playing career, Ogwumike has continued to produce at a high level. She is averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season, remaining a key contributor for Los Angeles.
Ogwumike said her decision was influenced partly by her body, although she still feels physically capable of playing. She explained that she has reached a point where she feels comfortable slowing down and is content with what she has achieved over the past 15 years.
Her impact on the WNBA has extended beyond her performances on the court. As president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association, Ogwumike has played a prominent role in representing players and advocating for their interests.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Ogwumike for her contributions to the league and said she would leave the WNBA better than she found it.
Engelbert highlighted Ogwumike's passion, leadership and commitment to her fellow players, while congratulating her on an extraordinary career.
Although Ogwumike's retirement is approaching, she still has more games to play this season. The WNBA and basketball fans will now have the opportunity to celebrate one of the league's most accomplished players as she prepares to close the chapter on a remarkable career.
