American · Tomball, Texas · Born 2 July 1990WNBA champion, former MVP and one of the most decorated and respected players in league history, renowned for her post mastery and professionalism.
Nneka Ogwumike was born on 2 July 1990 in Tomball, Texas, to Nigerian parents, and is the older sister of Chiney Ogwumike, who would also become the first overall WNBA draft pick, in 2014. She led Cy-Fair High School to a state championship before starring at Stanford University, where she helped the Cardinal reach the Final Four in all four of her seasons. The Los Angeles Sparks selected Ogwumike first overall in the 2012 WNBA Draft, and she developed into one of the league's most efficient and well-rounded forwards, winning the WNBA MVP award in 2016 while shooting a blistering 66.5 percent from the field and helping the Sparks win the championship that same season. Ogwumike has won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award a record four times and earned seven All-Defensive Team selections, ranking among the top ten in WNBA history in scoring, rebounding, and steals. She has served as president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association since 2016, becoming one of the league's most influential advocates for player rights. Ogwumike played for the Seattle Storm in 2024 and 2025 before returning to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2026, continuing a career defined as much by her sustained excellence on the court as her leadership advocating for the growth and treatment of women's professional basketball.
WNBA MVP and champion, dominant post player and leader
She was WNBA Players Association president during a crucial era of collective bargaining, and comes from a family with multiple WNBA players including her sisters Chiney and Erica Ogwumike — one of sport's most remarkable family legacies.
Did You Know?How They Played
Versatile forward with strong post moves and leadership
Lasting Impact
One of WNBA's elite forwards, Olympic champion, franchise player
Career Honours
- WNBA MVP 2016
- WNBA Champion 2016
- Olympic Gold 2016, 2020
| Club | Period | Apps | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Sparks | 2014–2021 | 239 | #30 |
| Seattle Storm | 2022–2024 | 79 | — |
American Athletes