Ogwumike says the Sparks are a culturally relevant team that gets people excited about basketball and "changes things for women in sport. Ogwumike will once again team up with her sister Chiney, who also re-signed with the Sparks last week. The basketball player hosted a national radio show for ESPN . A team that gets people excited about basketball and sports. Since being drafted first overall back in 2012, Nneka Ogwumike has racked up multiple accolades. Forward Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 league MVP who has spent her 11-year WNBA career with the Sparks since being drafted . It's considerably less than the supermax of $234,936, but it was something Ogwumike was willing to do to help the Sparks juggle salary cap issues. 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. Ogwumike will once again team up with her sister Chiney, who also re . I'm grateful to be surrounded by both players, coaches and staff that have a greater vision for the organization. After that, she signed for two years and $229,390 before the 2021 season. FILE - Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, right, tries to shoot as Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. 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. It is not . That's the storyline here that we are truly passionate about. 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 in a statement. They were the kids of the 1990s who were born roughly between 1980 and 2000. At the end of it all, we want to infiltrate a lot of different avenues, to capitalize on who we are to be able to bring girls together. LOS ANGELES (January 24, 2023) - The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the re-signing of WNBA Champion and 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike. Nneka agreed. 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. Time magazine called them The Me Me Me Generation because they want it all. While at Stanford University she helped the Cardinal reach the Final Four four times. Pickman. 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. 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. She probably doesn't get the credit she deserves for how versatile she has been.". Erica Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike and Nneka Ogwumike of Nigeria look on from the bench during an exhibition game against the United States at Michelob ULTRA Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on . She envisioned a team that is culturally relevant and supports its players during their careers and continues to empower them after. Ogwumike, a five-time All-WNBA first- or second-team player and five-time All-Defensive player, has averaged 16.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in her WNBA career. Little did you know, that Chiney's older sister, Nneka Ogwumike, also plays for the same team. We care about girls' dreams and ambitions no matter where they live.". "Chiney and I have expressed so many more thoughts and ideas. She has not been previously engaged. Hopefully we will get a lot of turnout from Texas [where they grew up] and California. 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 . Miller, who spent the past seven years as the Connecticut Sun's head coach and took them to the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022, moved to the Sparks this past October. At the end of her rookie deal, she inked a four-year deal worth $466,000. It is not lost on either of them that the opportunities they have been provided through basketball are not offered to many of the girls in the country where their parents were born and raised, and where their extended family still lives. Ogwumike quickly became a partner in the Sparks' rebuilding process as she, Bryant and Miller shared their visions for the franchise. Davis is also an adjunct professor at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism. Follow. Ogwumike, 32, said she wanted her vision for the Sparks to be in alignment with the team's . The fifth-year forward . It does feel like we are getting help, and we are excited about it. Chiney works. Nneka is on a mission to inspire others to discover their greatness with an open . As she left Crypto.com Arena last year after the Sparks' last game, Nneka Ogwumike left local reporters with cheerful parting words. Before the 2016 most valuable player officially re-signed with the team Friday, Sparks executives spoke publicly about her return and her role in the franchises rebuild. A lot of players leaving different places to go to one place. #BringBackOurGirls has not brought the girls back. Here are 10 you cant miss, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre. Column: 15 minutes of fame flies by. So a lot of my communications and a lot of how I conduct myself in free agency, whether its for me or to get other players, its not about, Hey, lets go build this team, lets go here. Its just like, Hey, this is what were about, if youre for it, come through. And if not, everythings not for everybody., Her loyalty to the team that drafted her came at a price. Athlete. Further, this immensely beautiful lady persists the weight of 173 pounds (78.47 kgs). The former WNBA MVP re-signed with the Sparks last week, continuing her career with the franchise that drafted her No. Jordin Canada, Reshanda Gray and Karlie Samuelson, Katie Lou's sister, have signed training camp contracts. Last year was the first time she played in more than half of the games since 2019, appearing in 26 of 36 games while averaging 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds. "We are all family, we all came from AAU, and we feel like it's important to show girls that they are privileged to play the game they love, and if we can use the platforms of the WNBA and AAU to change things, that would be the goal.". The team that signs up the most donors will be rewarded with a private basketball clinic with the Ogwumike sisters. Nneka Ogwumikes birth sign is Cancer and she has a ruling planet of Moon. Nneka said the timing of their initiative and the situation in Nigeria over the last two months might present an opportunity for more context and for more people to consider the cause. She was elected a WNBA All-Star along with her sister Nneka Ogwumike, becoming the first pair of sisters to be selected into a WNBA All-Star game. "This is a global headline and people are so aware right now. A lot of players leaving different places to go to one place. Additional team and individual prizes include autographed jerseys and pictures, as well as the opportunity to interact with the sisters via Google Hangouts. 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 . Not only is she a top-level leader for the Sparks, but she is a leader for the entire league. She is the native of Tomball, Texas, who stands tall at the outstanding height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters). Ogwumike hopes it can be a roadmap for other industries. Nneka Ogwumike height, weight & body stats. She cares about the why as much as she cares about the who as much as she cares about the how. Early Friday afternoon, news broke that Nneka Ogwumike, sister of Chiney Ogwumike, signed a one-year, $165,000 deal with the LA Sparks. Once the former most valuable player agreed with team executives that she would be back, she quickly shifted into recruiting mode. Houston is in for dust and gray skies as Texas haboob arrives, Oops! Finding Mastery 263 February 10, 2021. The Los Angeles Sparks secured the return of a big name free agent, star forward Nneka Ogwumike. Like many celebrities and famous people, Nneka keeps her personal and love life private. 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. Nneka Ogwumike has not been previously engaged. On Wednesday, Bryant spoke glowingly about her working relationship thus far with the seven-time All-Star. Were thrilled to continue our partnership with her as she continues adding to her storied legacy., (Photo: Jevone Moore / Icon Sportswire vis AP Images). Position: Forward. Following her recent signing, Nneka's career earnings have surpassed one million dollars. 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. "This is about empowerment. She was the first woman pick of the 2014 WNBA draft and even won the WNBA Rookie of the Year in the same year. She previously covered UCLA, professional soccer and preps for the Southern California News Group. Nneka Ogwumike she/her. A team that is culturally relevant. But again, eye in 23, but beyond. . 27 on the list. USA Basketball snubbed Nneka Ogwumike. Nneka Ogwumike #30 of the Los Angeles Sparks plays defense against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 28, 2020 at Feld Entertainment Center in Palmetto, Fla. Ned Dishman / NBAE via Getty Images file There's cohesiveness we hope to build and I have other partners in crime in the front court in Kristine [Anigwe] and Seimone [Augustus]. AP womens basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports, Nneka Ogwumike re-signs with Los Angeles Sparks. Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Swap meet at historic Alpine Village, near Torrance, says goodbye, Redondo in No. There are still nearly 300 schoolgirls being held against their will somewhere in Nigeria or possibly in nearby bordering countries. The Sparks subsequently signed guard Yang Liwei from China on a rookie scale deal after Talbot's injury. John W. Davis is a Sports Reporter at the Long Beach Press-Telegram. Who are the richest people on earth right now? And Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, the dynamic, Stanford-educated sisters of the WNBA, are frustrated by that, make no mistake. Ogwumike's signing wasn't a surprise, as she previously spoke of her intent to return. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft is exceptional. With her production and presumably several fruitful seasons ahead for her, there isnt a GM in the league who would see her as anything but a major asset, especially with a franchise to which she has already contributed so much. 1 overall in 2012. The former WNBA MVP re-signed with the Sparks last week, continuing her career with the franchise that drafted her No. But her free agency was not expected to be as much of a whirlwind as others after her exit interview last season. Free-agent power forward Nneka Ogwumike is re-signing with the Los Angeles Sparks, the team announced. 1 in 2012. Miller is one of the few people to coach both Ogwumike sisters. Later Monday evening, the WNBPA released a statement on Twitter from Ogwumike calling for the league "to permit teams to invest in charter flights between games, beginning with the entire 2022 . Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, right, tries to shoot as Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas defends on Aug. 11, 2022, in Los Angeles. Terri Jackson, Derek Lewis and Nneka Ogwumike Celebrate Pepsi Stronger Together x WNBPA Partnership. Chiney said she wanted to work through AAU girls basketball because it is the program that has defined the Ogwumikes' family life for more than a decade, since the day Nneka and Chiney both tried out for their first basketball team, quickly developing into standout players on the travel team circuit. Be the first one to comment on this story. We honor her life & legacy and recognize her immense impact on the LA community, USA Basketball, & the growth of women's sports. 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. She is of African American ethnicity and has an American nationality. 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. Chiney Ogwumike is the firstborn and she has played basketball at Stanford University with her sister. Verified. All rights reserved. She is not dating anyone currently. As of 2023, Nneka Ogwumike is possibly single. The sisters said their plans to work with UNICEF to benefit girls in Nigeria predated the current crisis. Yes, Ogwumike, 30, has been battling a knee sprain, but she was expected to be back in time for the Olympics. "We've known since the beginning that we wanted do something, and we are obviously passionate about this cause," Chiney said. Whos the richest Basketball Player in the world? According to Chinese Zodiac, Nneka was born in the Year of the Horse. I couldnt be more excited to coach Nneka.. 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. Adidas partners Candace Parker, Layshia Clarendon, Nneka Ogwumike and Natalie Achonwa join Arielle Chambers for a discussion around adidas NIL. 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. 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. So a lot of my communications and a lot of how I conduct myself in free agency, whether its for me or to get other players, its not about, Hey, lets go build this team, lets go here. Its just like, Hey, this is what were about, if youre for it, come through. And if not, everythings not for everybody., Her loyalty to the team that drafted her came at a price. In 90s DVDs were invented, Sony PlayStation was released, Google was founded, and boy bands ruled the music charts. Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike gathers a pass in front of . 1 overall pick from Stanford. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Sparks re-sign star forward Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike re-signs with Sparks, reunites with coach Curt Miller, Brittney Griner is back in WNBA: She re-signs with Mercury, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Sparks sign veteran guard Yang Liwei from China, Pay equity in womens sports: How the WNBA is playing the long game. Shes an elite player, shes the conssumate pro, shes an inspirational leader and shes a global ambassador.. Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 WNBA MVP who was left off the U.S. Olympic women's basketball roster, wants to play for her parents' birth nation of Nigeria at the Tokyo Games. "And she's an outstanding, versatile player. The last few years havent been the easiest for me. LOS ANGELES (Sept. 15, 2022) - The WNBA announced today that Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike earned All-WNBA Second Team honors, her fifth All-WNBA Team recognition. Experts Urge Consumers To Start Saving Now, Turn Your Home Equity Into Cash Before a Recession, Grow Your Money Faster With These Savings Accounts. Once the former most valuable player agreed with team executives that she would be back, she quickly shifted into recruiting mode. 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. Coach/GM Derek Fisher was fired this past June, center Liz Cambage -- who had been signed earlier that year as a free agent -- left the team in July and the Sparks finished the season under interim coach Fred Williams. She said Bryant and Miller fought her on the numbers, but the seven-time All-Star told them, wherever you need my number to be to get who we need to get, lets just do that.. For fun. 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 Nigerian government says it knows where at least some of the girls -- who were taken in April -- are located. A lot of players leaving different places to go to one place. WNBA Star Nneka Ogwumike Says They Have To Be : The NPR Politics Podcast The WBNA's political activism helped to reshape the political landscape in Washington. Pepsi Stronger Together, WNBPA and Nneka Ogwumike Present Check to Girls on the Run LA. I want us to be the North Star, Ogwumike said Monday in a videoconference. Miller said that Ogwumike's presence with the Sparks was a big reason he joined the franchise. 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. Chris Paul has been given a lot of credit for helping the NBA devise its plan to resume the 2019-20 season, but Nneka Ogwumike the President of the WNBA Players Association doesn't seem to be too happy with him.. Aside from being Paul's counterpart, Ogwumike is one of basketball's most decorated superstars. The Southern California News Group skies as Texas haboob arrives, Oops, if youre for,! 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