Nneka Ogwumike Announced That She is Retiring From WNBA After 15 Seasons
From starting off her professional basketball tenure as the Rookie of the Year. To becoming a champion as well as MVP. This remarkable athlete is leaving a legacy that places her amongst the upper echelon of players that have ever played in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Nneka Ogwumike has announced that she is retiring from the WNBA after 15 seasons. Nneka revealed in an exclusive interview with Taylor Rooks for Boardroom Talks her intent to retire from the WNBA at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Why do we say she is at, and near the top of W players historically? Well, all you have to do is consider her stats. When it comes to all-time rankings Nneka demonstrated that she was not one to mess with offensively or defensively. She has been dominant in both areas her entire career.
So then, where does Nneka Ogwumike rank among other WNBA greats? She is top five in several categories.
All-time rankings:
Points – 4th
Rebounds – 3rd
Steals – 5th (two behind Alana Beard for 4th)
Furthermore, her achievements overall should not be overlooked as well. Her résumé is long.
Nneka Ogwumike’s WNBA Accolades:
WNBA Champion (2016)
WNBA MVP (2016)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2012)
11x WNBA All-Star
All-WNBA First-Team (2016)
7x All-WNBA Second Team
4x WNBA All-Defensive First Team
3x WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2012)
Ogwumike’s impact also extends well beyond the court. As WNBPA President since 2016, Ogwumike has been one of the most influential player leaders during a transformational period for the WNBA and women’s professional sports. During her tenure, WNBA players secured the single largest salary increase from one CBA to the next in the history of professional sports. Along with expanded benefits, player protections and resources that have helped redefine the standard for women’s professional basketball.
Nneka Ogwumike Announced That She is Retiring From WNBA After 15 Seasons
Nneka says she will walk away from the league proud of her contributions and will look forward to her next chapter. Ogwumike states,
“Playing in the W for 15 seasons has given me far more than I ever imagined. I’ve been challenged as a competitor, shaped as a leader, and exposed to unforgettable people and experiences. I can stand proudly as the player I’ve become, and even more proud of the woman I am becoming.
I’ve learned there’s power in knowing when to walk away. For so long, that strength meant finding a way to keep pushing. Now, it means recognizing when you feel complete. I find myself grateful, fulfilled, and at peace with everything this game has given me and everything I’ve poured into it.”
So then, what is next for this superstar of the game? Ogwumike’s says that her next chapter will continue her commitment to growing women’s basketball. While also expanding its impact globally.
**Want Even More Sports, News, Hot Takes, Stats as well as Athlete Celebrity Sighting Updates, Insights as well as Trends? Well, be sure to join all of us Sports Feens over on Youtube to get an additional sports fix; and also don’t forget to check out all of our new Podcast topics and episodes. Plus, get fast highlights and trivia daily by following us on TikTok. Just Click HERE**
Thoughts on Nneka Ogwumike Announced That She is Retiring From WNBA After 15 Seasons? Well let’s connect then you Feen! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away. And we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page or tweet us @SportsFeen.
