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By Megan Armstrong
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In January 2025, ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike exclusively reported that Nneka Ogwumike would re-sign with the Seattle Storm for a second season.
Chiney had the ultimate trump card on other basketball reporters: Nneka is her older sister.
Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike are the first and only sisters to be No. 1 overall draft picks in WNBA history — Chiney the No. 1 overall pick of the Connecticut Sun in 2014, and Nneka the No. 1 overall pick of the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012.
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They played together on the Sparks for four seasons before Chiney pivoted from All-Star forward/center to All-Star ESPN analyst.
On Friday, Chiney came through again.
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"BREAKING: 10x WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks," sheposted on X. "She previously played 12 seasons in LA and 'is looking forward to returning home.'"
Nneka Ogwumike confirmed the news shortly thereafter, posting a 45-second hype video with a clear message: "It was always see you later, now I'll see you soon..."
Earlier this week, Ogwumike humorously addressed rumors that she planned to leave Seattle for the Minnesota Lynx. The rumors were sparked by Amazing Balloons' posting (and deleting) a video of their company installing "Welcome Nneka" balloons at the Lynx facility.
Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile reported that the Lynx were just one of "multiple teams" that Ogwumike planned to take free-agency visits with. But Ogwumike's heart was always in L.A.
Ogwumike, 35, won the 2016 WNBA Finals with the Sparks, which was her first championship and the Sparks' first title since 2002. Ogwumike shockingly decided to leave Los Angeles for Seattle in 2024, and she earned All-Star honors in each of her two seasons with the Storm.
Ogwumike's history with the Sparks is only one reason why this signing is a no-brainer for L.A.
Another is Ogwumike's pedigree as a 10-time All-Star, eight-time All-WNBA forward, and seven-time All-Defensive selection.
But perhaps the biggest reason is Ogwumike's veteran leadership. Not only is she a four-time Sportsmanship Award winner, but she's in her third term as the WNBPA President — leading an arduous negotiation that resulted in a historic new collective bargaining agreement last month.
This is the latest in the Sparks' concerted effort to lean on proven winners to develop a younger core and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
In January 2023, the Sparks traded for then-Las Vegas Aces All-Star forward Dearica Hamby. Los Angeles went back to the Aces well in February 2025, trading for All-Star guard and two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum.
We're in the thick of free agency, and the 2026 WNBA draft is on Monday, so it's nearly impossible to fully analyze Ogwumike's fit without knowing who will be on the Sparks' roster a week from now. But we know third-year star forward Cameron Brink will be there and benefit heavily from Ogwumike's presence.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter who Ogwumike plays alongside. She always fits, and she fits best in L.A.
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