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May 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) dribbles against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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May 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) dribbles against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The rumors of a special homecoming proved to be true after all. Nneka Ogwumike is set to sign for the LA Sparks for the upcoming season, as sources close to both parties have confirmed. With an official announcement from the star herself, the former No. 1 WNBA Draft pick in 2012 will return to her favourite hardwood again.
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“It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon…,” shared Nneka on her official X handle, sharing a video of herself playing for the Sparks.
It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon… pic.twitter.com/Da2xCDv4ux
— Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 10, 2026
Ogwumike returns to the Sparks after three years. She last played for the Seattle Storm from 2024 to 2026. With Rickea Jackson, the Sparks’ third-leading scorer last season, being figured in trade talks with the Chicago Sky, they needed to get an experienced player, and no one fits the bill better than Ogwumike.
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Aside from her production on the court, Ogwumike also brings veteran leadership to the locker room, something that is very much needed to make a difference when things look grim. This would also be Nneka’s 13th season in the league, and being the president of the players’ association, she is looked upon as one of the respectable figures in women’s basketball.
With a return to Los Angeles, Nneka is making a comeback to a turf that she knows quite a lot about. The Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center, is where she made many fond memories. Ogwumike won a championship with Los Angeles in 2016 and earned eight All-Star nods in her time there.
And now she has a chance to relive those moments yet again, thanks to her return. But what does it mean for her and the Sparks future?
Sparks Looking To Rebuild With Ogwumike Leading The Roster
While many thought that Nneka Ogwumike had given her confirmation to the Minnesota Lynx courtesy of the Amazing Balloons viral moment, things took a totally different turn. Dashing all hopes of a Lynx alliance, Ogwumike gave her nod to a known ally.
Ogwumike’s return gives Los Angeles a player who is a veteran all around. Someone who is capable of shooting 51.9% from the field and 36.7% from three in 2025, showing she can stretch defenses and still dominate inside. Even when it comes to picking up rebounds, she is unmatched with 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, giving Sparks a reliable interior presence.
On top of that, she has the experience on her side, and that goes a long way. At present, Nneka is the most experienced on the roster (14 years), which makes her a locker-room leader of sorts. Her role as a WNBPA president would further authenticate her presence, making her a trusted source whom players can seek advice and guidance.
But now that Nneka Ogwumike’s joining has been made official, the Sparks would look to get the other areas sorted as well. At present, both Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens, leading contributors from 2025, remain unsigned. So it will be interesting to see what the Sparks decide with those two players, given each is in line for a substantial contract.
As per Annie Costabile’s reports, the team is ready to make a trade when transactions can become official on Saturday, dealing 2024 draft pick Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for 2x All-Star guard Ariel Atkins. So the wheel of transitions is going in full swing.
Last year was dreadful for the Sparks. They finished with a 21-23 record, but you can still call that an improvement over their 2024 season, which was a downright disaster (8-32 W/L record). But still, they are a long way from their goal of establishing themselves, as contenders and Ogwumike might just be the player to change their fate.
