Nneka Ogwumike will get to play with her sister on the Los Angeles Sparks this season.
Nigerian-American basketball player Nnemkadi "Nneka" Ogwumike has returned to the Los Angeles Sparks.
The return of Ogwumike was announced by the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, January 24, 2023.
The 32-year-old won a championship with the WNBA Championship and the Most Valuable Player award with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.
She now returns to the Los Angeles Sparks as a free agent to continue her WNBA career for the 12th season.
Nneka Ogwumike on return to the Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks announced her return with a message on their official social media platforms that said, "Nneka Ogwumike is back. The story continues. #LetsGoSparks #WNBATwitter."
Ogwumike explained her decision to continue with the Los Angeles Sparks after 11 seasons with the franchise.
In a message on the official Sparks website, Ogwumike said, “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.
“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.”
Ogwumike was selected by the Sparks as the Number one overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft and has cemented her legacy as one of the greats of the game.
Sparks Head Coach Curt Miller was delighted with the return of Ogwumike to the team as they aim to challenge for the title this season.
He said, “Nneka is an extraordinary person and teammate. Not only is she a top-level leader for the Sparks, but she is a leader for the entire league.
"Her work ethic and dedication to her craft is exceptional. She’s coming off another All-WNBA season and continues to add levels to her game. I couldn’t be more excited to coach Nneka.”
Nneka who is among the 25 greatest players in WNBA history will now have the added bonus of playing with her younger sister Chiney on the Sparks this season.