Los Angeles Sparks re-sign Nneka Ogwumike to one-year deal

Nneka Ogwumike is back with the Los Angeles Sparks. The 2016 WNBA MVP re-signed with the team on a one-year deal.

The 32-year-old forward was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks in 2012, and she has spent the entirety of her 11-season career in Los Angeles. The one-year deal is worth $165,000, ESPN reported.

Ogwumike had been vocal about wanting to return, and she has been working with new coach Curt Miller and new general manager Karen Bryant on setting the direction for the team.

“I feel like I’m reaching a pivotal point my career and understanding what I want it to mean,” Ogwumike told ESPN. “I’m excited to see a lot of the enhancements that we’re making. I’m grateful to be surrounded by both players, coaches and staff that have a greater vision for the organization.

“I feel really good with where I’m at and how I’m progressing as an athlete. I want to be able to win and do that with some great people. I really do believe in this organization.”

𝘔𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥.@nnekaogwumike returns. pic.twitter.com/PfVvKMRaWu

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) February 24, 2023

Miller and Bryant both said that re-signing Ogwumike and getting her input on their offseason moves were top priorities. 

“She’s had a front-row seat in the franchise for many years for many years, and has seen the things that have worked and things that have not been as successful,” Bryant said. “Her global view, playing experience and credibility were hugely valuable to us.”

Ogwumike’s sister Chiney also has re-signed with the Sparks.

“We’re really two entities that are stronger together,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “It’s always something to be celebrated. And I really want to take that to another level in winning with my sister.”

A new day and age is here with @chiney.

Stayed tuned for more of this discussion.#LetsGoSparks #WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/Erp2XpzUbZ

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) February 23, 2023