"We're really two entities that are stronger together," Nneka said. "Forget that they are phenomenal athletes, these are two young women who want to do something that matters," said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Whos the richest Basketball Player in the world? Over the last 11 years, with champions and with challenges, my veteran vision remains clear and committed to what it truly means to play in this league, in THIS city, for 12 seasons, repping that iconic purple & gold., Bryant added: Nneka is deeply ingrained in the rich history of the Sparks and is both an elite basketball player and a trailblazer for our league and beyond. Nneka Ogwumike, who was still out with a knee sprain when the selection of U.S.A. Basketball's team was announced, is the only winner of the W.N.B.A.'s Most Valuable Player Award who has not . The former WNBA MVP re-signed with the Sparks last week, continuing her career with the franchise that drafted her No. They already have the lowest enrollment rate to start, and we work to change that and parents start sending their kids to school and look what happens. The WNBA superstar previously won MVP of the qualifying tournament and led team scoring in 2020. She has three siblings, all girls. The coach and GM are tasked with restoring a team that went 25-43 over the last two seasons, missing the playoffs for the first time in Ogwumikes career. If youre for it, come through. And if not, everythings not for everybody., Ogwumike took less than the maximum salary to help the Sparks fit under the cap. Our thoughts & prayers are with Billie Moore's family. ", One that the Ogwumike sisters hope can be addressed with a little help from their basketball "family.". We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! A team that is culturally relevant. On Wednesday morning, they rolled out the details of their relationship with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund. "The conversations with Nneka and the collaborations we had -- we wanted to do this with players who really want to be with the Sparks," Miller said. Verified. She is a 32-year-old guard with career averages of 16. Vandersloot to New York, the rise of superteams and a Liberty-Aces WNBA Finals? She probably doesn't get the credit she deserves for how versatile she has been.". Her communication throughout this whole free agency has been an incredible partnership. She was a pioneer in women's basketball who served the game with generosity, passion, & grace. "And she's an outstanding, versatile player. The team that signs up the most donors will be rewarded with a private basketball clinic with the Ogwumike sisters. Nneka Ogwumike height, weight & body stats. The 6-foot-2 forward, who was an unrestricted free agent, returns for her 12th season in the league, all in Los Angeles after the Sparks drafted her No. 1 overall in 2014. "It's really unfortunate, and a coincidence that this has all happened, but it might help what we are trying to do," Nneka said. Yet the Sparks have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since Ogwumike lost longtime co-star Candace Parker. The former MVP made that statement official Friday by re-signing with the Sparks as an unrestricted free agent. She helped bring in free agents Azur Stevens and Stephanie Talbot from the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm, respectively. For us to be in a situation where were on a team, the pieces are kind of coming together, I would say that was certainly signifying that something was really getting assembled here.. Ogwumike not only will remain in L.A., but she will do so with her younger sister Chiney, who re-signed with the team Tuesday. Following her recent signing, Nneka's career earnings have surpassed one million dollars. The Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award is . While Parker went to Chicago as a free agent in 2021, won a title with her hometown team and then signed with the Las Vegas Aces this year, Ogwumike has been a steadying presence during the Sparks recent struggles. These young women want to use their platforms to be heard and to benefit children.". The Los Angeles Sparks secured the return of a big name free agent, star forward Nneka Ogwumike. She had no qualms about the money. Two years later, Chiney would also be taken at No. The Sparks star forward, who was drafted by the franchise in 2012 after four years at Stanford, is so entrenched in California that she says some might forget her Lone Star State roots. The coach and GM are tasked with restoring a team that went 25-43 over the last two seasons, missing the playoffs for the first time in Ogwumikes career. She was a 5A State Champion during her senior year at Cypress Fairbanks High School. She was part of the negotiations on the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, which launched much more active free agency periods the past three years. 167k Followers, 1,928 Following, 437 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) nnekaogwumike. Though Ogwumike loved reading the headlines about stars ushering in a new era of WNBA super teams Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot teaming with Jonquel Jones in New York or Candace Parker joining the defending champion Las Vegas Aces she took a different strategy. He previously worked with her as an assistant coach in Los Angeles in 2015. Chiney, who had microfracture surgery on her knee and tore her Achilles tendon in consecutive seasons early in her career, opted out of the 2020 pandemic season, and the extended time off limited her in 2021 when she appeared in only seven games. Try a week on us. A team that gets people excited about basketball and sports. 4 among. Nneka Ogwumike has not been previously engaged. The Sparks re-signed star forward and 11-year veteran Nneka Ogwumike to a free-agent contract, the team announced Friday. It is not . Grateful, thats the first word that comes to mind honestly, Bryant said, when asked to characterize their conversations. Bookmark this page and come back for updates. Follow. She also plays for Dynamo Kursk of Russia Her name Nneka means Mother is Supreme in Igbo She is 62 and plays power forward. After she was designated as a core player by the Sparks in recent years, meaning she could not negotiate with teams in free agency, Ogwumike wanted the experience of being an unrestricted free agent and be courted by teams. Ogwumike said she would love to be with the Sparks in 2023 and that the 2022 season in which the Sparks went 13-21, general manager and coach Derek Fisher was removed from his positions mid-season and Liz Cambage departed the team mid-season was like living in a house you didnt build. A team that changes things for women in sport.. Last season, Ogwumike posted averages of 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Bryant admired Ogwumike from afar when she was with the Seattle Storm. I'm grateful to be surrounded by both players, coaches and staff that have a greater vision for the organization. Experts Urge Consumers To Start Saving Now. She is a 32-year-old guard with career averages of 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. As of 2023, Nneka Ogwumike is possibly single. Nnemkadi Chinwe Victoria Ogwumike Twitter : nnekaogwumike Instagram: nnekaogwumike. Chinenye "Chiney" Ogwumike (born March 21, 1992) is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Ogwumike's signing wasn't a surprise, as she previously spoke of her intent to return. She holds career . Bryant and Miller showed up, getting a tour of Ogwumikes high school gym at Cy-Fair High and seeing a mural that was painted in her hometown. #BringBackOurGirls has not brought the girls back, but Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike have partnered with UNICEF in a fundraising effort aimed to benefit one million girls in northern Nigeria. I started in Los Angeles as a wide-eyed rookie hopeful to last and to lead in a city and with a franchise defined by its legends and legacy, Ogwumike said via a press release. Adidas partners Candace Parker, Layshia Clarendon, Nneka Ogwumike and Natalie Achonwa join Arielle Chambers for a discussion around adidas NIL. She added that Ogwumike has been a partner to both herself and new coach Curt Miller as they have started with the franchise, saying that she is instrumental in where this team has been the last few years and will be again going forward. The Sparks front office and coaching staff were steadfast in their pursuit of re-signing Ogwumike, which came two days afterher younger sister Chiney re-signed with the Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike on Creating Opportunities, Resiliency, and Confidence. View Nneka Ogwumike height, weight & body stats But, her social media has been catching heaps of public attention whereas her followers are now scrutinizing about her dating life. The 6-foot-2 forward, who was an unrestricted free agent, returns for . Experts Urge Consumers To Start Saving Now, Turn Your Home Equity Into Cash Before a Recession, Grow Your Money Faster With These Savings Accounts. Ogwumike also cemented her legacy in Los Angeles last season by eclipsing 5,000 career points, joining Sparks legends Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker as the only players in franchise history to do so. Chiney Ogwumike is the first black woman to host an ESPN radio show. It does feel like we are getting help, and we are excited about it. Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, right, tries to shoot as Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas defends on Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks looks to pass the ball against the Las Vegas Aces on September 12, 2020 at Feld Entertainment Center in. A former Sparks assistant, Miller got his first WNBA coaching experience with Nneka in 2015 before taking the head coaching position in Connecticut, where Chiney was drafted No. Once the former most valuable player agreed with team executives that she would be back, she quickly shifted into recruiting mode. In 90s DVDs were invented, Sony PlayStation was released, Google was founded, and boy bands ruled the music charts. Here are 10 you cant miss, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre. All rights reserved. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft is exceptional. Ogwumike not only will remain in L.A., but she will do so with her younger sister Chiney, who re-signed with the team Tuesday. "I consider myself a student of many things and love surrounding myself with people that challenge me and commit to critically thinking and strategizing. The Sparks subsequently signed guard Yang Liwei from China on a rookie scale deal after Talbot's injury. As of 2023, Nneka Ogwumike is possibly single. LOS ANGELES Seven-time All-Star and 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike has re-signed with the Sparks, the team announced Friday. Los Angeles also recently lost free agent signee Stephanie Talbot for the season because of a knee injury suffered while playing overseas. In 2020, she became the first Black woman and the first WNBA player to host a national radio show for ESPN.She was one of the first and youngest commentators ever to be named an NBA analyst for the network . At the end of her rookie deal, she inked a four-year deal worth $466,000. Ogwumike will once again team up with her sister Chiney, who also re-signed with the Sparks last week. Re-signing Nneka was the top priority of 2023 free agency for the Los Angeles Sparks, Sparks CAO & GM Karen Bryant said in the teams statement. Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike was hosting her ESPN sports radio show when she got a call from her sister and teammate, Nneka Ogwumike. Bryant and Miller showed up, getting a tour of Ogwumikes high school gym at Cy-Fair High and seeing a mural that was painted in her hometown. Based in Long Beach, he has worked on-air in local television markets as a multimedia journalist/news reporter in Orlando, Florida, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Nneka Ogwumike not only wants to make the Los Angeles Sparks a championship contender again, but also to get the community excited about womens basketball and other sports. Nneka Ogwumike Sisters. "It's a beautiful country and only when it's in crisis does it make the headlines," Chiney said. Forward Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 league MVP who has spent her 11-year WNBA career with the Sparks since being drafted . The extra efforts contributed to Ogwumikes decision to re-sign with the team Friday after what she called the most enjoyable free agency of her career. CAS denied that appeal as well. Forward Nneka Ogwumike has been an All-Star in seven of her 11 seasons with the Sparks, including last year. Check back often as we will continue to update this page with new relationship details. She followed in the footsteps of Candace Parker by being drafted first overall by the Sparks and winning Rookie of the Year honors. Chiney works. First-year general manager Karen Bryant said in a statement that bringing Ogwumike back was the top priority of 2023 free agency for the team. Nnekas life path number is 1. Terms were not announced by the Sparks, but a source confirmed that Ogwumike, 32, has a one-year deal for $165,000. Hopefully we will get a lot of turnout from Texas [where they grew up] and California. Along with her work on the court, Chiney also works for ESPN as an analyst. Listen on Apple , Spotify or here The new deal, agreed to in January, boosted player salaries - by more than 80 percent for the WNBA's . The Latest from our Partners. Still, on Wednesday, both Miller and Bryant spoke optimistically about the teams future. Perspective by Kevin B. Blackistone. ", "We have little control over getting those girls back," Chiney agreed. The extra efforts led, in part, to Ogwumike re-signing with the team Friday after what she called the most enjoyable free-agency process of her career. Nnemkadi Nneka Ogwumike is an American basketball player of Nigerian descent for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, after being drafted #1 overall. Terri Jackson, Derek Lewis and Nneka Ogwumike Celebrate Pepsi Stronger Together x WNBPA Partnership. Thats why it meant so much that new Sparks general manager Karen Bryant and new coach Curt Miller made the trip to meet with Ogwumike in Texas during this critical offseason. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft is exceptional.. "Her global view, playing experience and credibility were hugely valuable to us.". Will WNBA players get charter flights in aftermath of Brittney Griner nightmare? Thats the narrative that needs to be out there, Miller said. Its just been a heck of a process and its really fun, and its just getting started. Veteran forward Chiney Ogwumike played in 26 of the Sparks 36 games last season and says shes been doing yoga and basketball workouts each morning this offseason. Independence is one of their greatest strengths, but sometimes they're overly frank with others. These 20-somethings to early 30-year-olds have redefined the workplace. Ogwumike was a member of the All-WNBA First Team in 2016 and the Second Team in 2014, 2017, and 2019. 1 spot in Daily Breezes first baseball Top 10, Longshore union, shippers offer rate update on labor talks, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, As many as 700,000 Illinois residents could lose Medicaid health coverage this year, Balloon ban made official in Laguna Beach, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Is Nneka Ogwumike married or single, and who is she dating now? Like many celebrities and famous people, Nneka keeps her personal and love life private. I wanted the opportunity to reclaim my own career, she said. Yet discussions weren't just about playing tour guide to Sparks executives. "This is about empowerment. Ogwumike averaged 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals last season, earning second-team All-WNBA honors and a seventh All-Star appearance. Ogwumike wants to not only restore Los Angeles into a championship contending franchise, but also to get the community excited about basketball and women's sports. Both said Ogwumike's input was essential in making offseason moves. But the timing was strategic, as she has worked with Sparks general manager Karen Bryant, assistant GM Eli Horowitz and coach Curt Miller on a new direction for the Sparks, plus maintained flexibility because of the salary cap. We hope people will make it a fun competition.". The latest free agent signing for the Los Angeles Sparks is also the biggest. #LetsGoSparks #WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/Ml4U0FcbRh, Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) February 24, 2023, For the first time since the historic CBA that Nneka Ogwumike helped craft as WNBA Players Association president, the league entered the new era of free agency. She is a really hard worker.. "I feel like I'm reaching a pivotal point my career and understanding what I want it to mean," Ogwumike told ESPN. Understanding where Chiney is in her career, where I am in my career, theres certainly more years behind us than in front of us, said Nneka, 32. After the sisters teamed up in 2019 with hopes of winning a championship in L.A., reuniting with Miller felt like confirmation that their hopes could come true soon. Were thrilled to continue our partnership with her as she continues adding to her storied legacy., (Photo: Jevone Moore / Icon Sportswire vis AP Images). She was also named to the The W25, recognizing her as one of the 25 greatest players to ever play in the league. Ogwumike diventata una partner nel processo di ricostruzione degli Sparks mentre lei, Bryant e Miller hanno condiviso le loro visioni per il franchise. They are known as confident, entitled, and depressed. Her personal life might be out of bounds for many but her professional life speaks a lot. Instagram photos and videos from Nneka Ogwumike and Natalie Achonwa join Arielle Chambers for a discussion around NIL... The Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm bands ruled the music charts invented Sony! Coach in Los Angeles Sparks is also the biggest narrative that needs to be surrounded both. Ogwumike on Creating Opportunities, Resiliency, and its just getting started the that! Agent signee Stephanie Talbot from the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm,.... Signs up the most donors will be rewarded with a link to confirm list signup signee Stephanie Talbot the... 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