WNBA Star Nneka Ogwumike Announces Retirement, Plans New International Basketball Venture
Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 WNBA MVP and current president of the players' union, announced her retirement from the WNBA at the end of the current season. Her 15-year career with the Los Angeles Sparks included an MVP award, a championship,…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 19, 2026 —
Nneka Ogwumike, a prominent figure in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the current president of the players’ union, has announced her intention to retire at the conclusion of the current season. Ogwumike, who has had a distinguished 15-year career, spent her entire tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Throughout her WNBA journey, Ogwumike garnered significant accolades. She was named the WNBA MVP in 2016, led her team to a championship, and earned multiple selections to both the All-Star and All-Defensive teams. Her contributions on and off the court have been widely recognized within the league.
In addition to her retirement from the WNBA, Ogwumike has revealed plans to continue her basketball career through a new initiative named Project B. This venture is set to feature games played outside of the United States, marking a new chapter in her professional athletic life.
Ogwumike’s dual role as a player and as the leader of the WNBA Players Association has placed her at the forefront of player advocacy and league development. Her decision to retire from active WNBA play signals a transition for both her personal career and potentially for the landscape of women’s professional basketball.
Further details regarding the specifics of Project B, including schedules, locations, and participating teams, were not immediately available. The conclusion of the current WNBA season will mark the end of an era for Ogwumike’s celebrated playing career in the league.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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