WNBA free agency grades: Nneka Ogwumike to the Sparks gets an A
The 10x WNBA All-Star returns to the LA Sparks as the team tries to move back into the playoff picture.
Another big-ticket free agent is off the board, as Chiney Ogwumike got to break the news that her sister will be heading back to the Los Angeles Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike, a 14-year WNBA veteran, left the Sparks two seasons ago to sign with the Seattle Storm. On Thursday night, she announced via social media that she would not be returning to the Storm, and Friday morning, the news came out that she intends to return to the Sparks.
BREAKING: 10x WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks. She previously played 12 seasons in LA and “is looking forward to returning home. ” — Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) April 10, 2026 The Sparks (+1500) currently have the seventh-best WNBA title odds on Fanduel , and we’ll see if more moves like this can improve their chances.
After 12 seasons and one championship, Ogwumike’s departure was part of a changeover for the Sparks as they fell out of the playoff picture. They’ve spent the past few seasons rebuilding, and last season were able to bring Kelsey Plum in from the Las Vegas Aces. Bringing a player like Nneka back brings more veteran presence into the pair with Plum, while boosting their young frontcourt star, Cameron Brink.
This move also means both Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby might be on the move as well, and if a rumored trade to send Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins goes through over the weekend, the Sparks’ lineup will look much different this season. Overall, the move is great by the Sparks — Ogwumike is still one of the best frontcourt presences in the WNBA. In 2025, she averaged 18.