Career Timeline of Nneka Ogwumike: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Nneka Ogwumike, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nneka Ogwumike is an American professional basketball player currently with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012, she played twelve seasons with the team, achieving significant success. Ogwumike was named the WNBA MVP in 2016 and led the Sparks to a WNBA Finals victory that same year. Recognizing her exceptional career, she was named to The W25 in 2021, which celebrated the top 25 players in the WNBA's first 25 years.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Won WNBA championship

In 2016, Ogwumike won her first career WNBA championship, Sparks winning their first championship since 2002.

2003: WNBA Finals

In 2016, the Sparks advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.

April 16, 2012: Drafted by Los Angeles Sparks

On April 16, 2012, Nneka Ogwumike was picked first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2012 WNBA draft.

2012: Drafted into WNBA and Signed with Nike

In 2012, Nneka Ogwumike was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA draft and subsequently signed an endorsement deal with Nike.

2012: Played in Poland

In the 2012–13 off-season, Ogwumike played in Poland for CCC Polkowice and won a championship with the team.

2013: Played in Poland

In the 2012–13 off-season, Ogwumike played in Poland for CCC Polkowice and won a championship with the team.

2014: Played in China

In the 2013–2014 off-season, she played in China for Guangdong Vermilion Birds.

June 30, 2016: Career-High Points

On June 30, 2016, Nneka Ogwumike scored a career-high 38 points along with 11 rebounds in an 84–75 victory against the Atlanta Dream.

2016: Elected President of WNBAPA

In 2016, Nneka Ogwumike was elected President of the WNBA Players Association.

2016: WNBA MVP and Finals Win

In 2016, Nneka Ogwumike was named the WNBA MVP and won the WNBA Finals with the Los Angeles Sparks.

August 18, 2017: Season-High Points

On August 18, 2017, Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 32 points along with 10 rebounds in a 115–106 double overtime victory over the Chicago Sky.

2017: Played in Russia

From 2014 to 2018, Ogwumike played in Russia for Dynamo Kursk and won the 2017 Euroleague with the club.

2018: Played in Russia

From 2014 to 2018, Ogwumike played in Russia for Dynamo Kursk and won the 2017 Euroleague with the club.

July 4, 2019: Season-High Points

On July 4, 2019, Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 31 points along with 10 rebounds in a 98–81 victory over the Washington Mystics.

2019: Re-elected as President of WNBAPA

In 2019, Nneka Ogwumike was re-elected to a new three-year term as President of the WNBA Players Association.

2019: Returned to Guangdong

In 2019, Ogwumike returned to Guangdong.

September 12, 2020: Season-High Points

On September 12, 2020, Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 24 points in a 84–70 loss to the Las Vegas Aces.

2020: Nationality Switch

In 2020, Nneka Ogwumike withdrew from representing the USA Women's team and has been pushing to switch nationality to represent Nigeria's D'Tigress.

January 2021: Re-signed with the Sparks

In January 2021, Nneka Ogwumike re-signed with the Sparks to a multi-year deal.

2021: Named to The W25

In 2021, Nneka Ogwumike was named to The W25, the league's list of the top 25 players of its first 25 years.

February 5, 2024: Signed with Seattle Storm

On February 5, 2024, Nneka Ogwumike signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Storm.

February 2024: Joined WNBA Changemakers Collective

In February 2024, Ogwumike joined the WNBA Changemakers Collective and their collaboration with VOICEINSPORT (VIS) as a mentor, aimed at keeping girls in sport and developing diverse leaders on the court and beyond the game.