WNBA free agency reaches a fever pitch this weekend as veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike announced her return to the Los Angeles Sparks after one season with the Seattle Storm.
The 14-year veteran and 2016 MVP revealed her decision Friday morning after posting a social media goodbye to Seattle earlier this week. Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds for the playoff-bound Storm in 2025.
Ogwumike now returns to the franchise where she built a Hall of Fame resume, according to SBNation. The move potentially reunites her with sister Chiney Ogwumike, while pairing the 10-time All-Star alongside Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink.
Forward Satou Sabally also bid farewell to Phoenix this week, calling her single season with the Mercury her "best year yet." The departure leaves another major piece available as WNBA free agency negotiations enter the final hours.
Rumors Dominate the 2026 WNBA Free Agency News Cycle
Multiple WNBA trades loom before Monday's signing window officially opens. Reports connect veteran guard Skylar Diggins to Chicago after the Sky sent Angel Reese to Atlanta. Additional rumors link LA forward Rickea Jackson to Chicago in exchange for Ariel Atkins.
Dallas gained cap flexibility following a trade sending forward Diamond Miller to Connecticut for second-year center Rayah Marshall. The Wings are expected to remain active throughout the weekend.
New York is reportedly showing interest in 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith — despite extending core qualifying offers to stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
The flurry of activity precedes Monday's 2026 WNBA Draft at 7 PM ET on ESPN, where 15 invited prospects including five UCLA champions await their professional destinations.
