Nneka Ogwumike will be wearing a different uniform this season. The former WNBA MVP informed the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday she intends to leave in free agency, as reported by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
The WNBA free agency negotiation period officially began on Sunday, but Wednesday was the first day of news that rocked the league. Ogwumike was the 2016 MVP and won the league championship with the Sparks that season. She was the No. 1 draft pick in 2012 out of Stanford and was WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Ogwumike has been through six coaches in her 12 seasons in Los Angeles. After making the playoffs her first nine years — including two trips to the WNBA Finals — Ogwumike and the Sparks have missed the playoffs three years in a row. Ogwumike, who will turn 34 in July, has been the pillar of the franchise but now is ready for another experience.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Kevin Pelton and Michael Voepel look at what Ogwumike’s decision means for her this coming season, as well as for the Sparks and the league.
Where might Ogwumike land? What’s a good fit given cap space and current rosters?
Voepel: According to Shelburne, Ogwumike has already met or will meet with five teams: Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm and New York Liberty.
