Heartbreak: Los Angeles Sparks greatest player of all time has finally announce his leaving due comeback of…
The Los Angeles Sparks have informed ESPN on Wednesday that Nneka Ogwumike will be leaving the team in free agency.
Earlier that day, the former WNBA MVP gave the team an update on her choice.
“Nneka Ogwumike, I’d like to thank you for 12 amazing seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. Governor and managing partner of the Sparks, Eric Holoman, told ESPN in a statement that Nneka has been a leader and changemaker for the Sparks, the city of Los Angeles, the WNBA, and women’s sports. “Her legacy is cemented as one of the greatest to ever wear Purple & Gold, 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.”
The team that selected Ogwumike first overall was Sparks in 2012. That year, she was awarded Rookie of the Year. She has been in Los Angeles for her whole 12-year career since then. During that period, Ogwumike was voted league MVP in 2016 and won a championship with the Sparks.
In addition, she has received four WNBA All-Defensive First Team and eight WNBA All-Star selections. She was selected for the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary Team in 2021, which honored the top 25 players in league history.
Ogwumike shared her affection for the city on social media, saying that she hopes “it’s not goodbye, but’see you later.'”
“I’m very blessed. Much appreciation for the city that welcomed this Stanford student 12 without conditionsa long time ago,” Ogwumike wrote on Facebook. “I take great pride in being a small part of Championship City’s legacy.”
Ogwumike has met with the Sparks, Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago Sky, according to league sources. She still plans to consult with the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm before choosing where to spend her free agency.
