Career Timeline of Nneka Ogwumike: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Nneka Ogwumike

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

Nneka Ogwumike is a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012, she spent 12 seasons with the team. Her accomplishments include being named WNBA MVP in 2016, winning the WNBA Finals in the same year with the Sparks, and being recognized as one of the top 25 players in the league's first 25 years with her inclusion in The W25 in 2021. She also signed an endorsement deal with Nike early in her career.

9 hours ago : Nneka Ogwumike leads the Seattle Storm in the post-Jewell Loyd era.

Nneka Ogwumike is leading the Seattle Storm with Skylar Diggins in the post-Jewell Loyd era. Despite her WNBA legend status after 14 seasons, Ogwumike isn't planning to stop anytime soon. The Storm faced the Phoenix Mercury on May 17th.

April 16, 2012: Drafted #1 Overall by Los Angeles Sparks

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

2012: Drafted by Los Angeles Sparks and Nike Deal

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 China

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

2014: Played in Russia

In the 2014–2018 off-seasons, Ogwumike played in Russia for Dynamo Kursk.

2016: Elected President of WNBAPA

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

2016: WNBA MVP and Championship

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

2017: Won Euroleague

In 2017, Nneka Ogwumike and Dynamo Kursk won the Euroleague championship.

2018: Played in Russia

In the 2014–2018 off-seasons, Ogwumike played in Russia for Dynamo Kursk.

2019: Returned to Guangdong

In 2019, Nneka Ogwumike returned to Guangdong to play for the Guangdong Vermilion Birds.

2019: Re-elected as WNBAPA President

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

2020: More Than A Vote Founded

In August 2024, Ogwumike took over leadership of More Than a Vote, founded by LeBron James in 2020.

January 2021: Re-signed with the Sparks

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

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, Nneka Ogwumike joined the WNBA Changemakers Collective and their collaboration with VOICEINSPORT (VIS) as a mentor.

August 2024: Leadership of More Than a Vote

In August 2024, Nneka Ogwumike took over leadership of the non-profit voting rights organization, More Than a Vote.

February 8, 2025: Re-signed with Seattle Storm

On February 8, 2025, Nneka Ogwumike re-signed with Seattle for one more year.