Nneka Ogwumike Informs Sparks She’s Entering Free Agency After 12 Seasons

She won the WNBA MVP award in 2016, the same year the Los Angeles Sparks won the league championship.

After 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, Nneka Ogwumike informed the team on Wednesday that she plans to enter free agency this offseason.

Ogwumike was drafted No. 1 by the Sparks in 2012. She helped the team win the WNBA title in 2016, and she also won the WNBA MVP award that season.

“I want to thank Nneka Ogwumike for 12 incredible seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks,” Sparks managing partner Eric Holoman told ESPN. “Nneka has been a leader and changemaker for the Sparks, the city of Los Angeles, the WNBA, and women’s sports. From drafting her No. 1 in 2012, to her game-winning shot in the 2016 WNBA Finals, her 2016 MVP trophy, and so many special memories, her legacy is cemented as one of the greatest to ever wear Purple & Gold.”

This is the first time Ogwumike has been an unrestricted free agent. The free agency period opened on Sunday, and since then, Ogwumike has already met with four teams, including the Sparks. The others are the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky, according to ESPN.

Additionally, the 33-year-old forward plans to meet with the 2023 runners-up New York Liberty and Seattle Storm.

In 36 games last season, Ogwumike averaged 19.1 points and 8.8 rebounds. The Sparks finished 17–23 and missed the playoffs last season.