Three reasons why the Los Angeles Sparks are at the center of the WNBA’s offseason drama
The Sparks made a big splash by bringing Nneka Ogwumike back to Los Angeles. What else is going to happen in LA?
Rickea Jackson and Nneka Ogwumike. | Getty Images Even though Saturday, April 11 is when WNBA teams can officially begin signing free agents to new deals, the Los Angeles Sparks have wasted no time getting to work. They cored Kelsey Plum, all but ensuring she will return to the Sparks.
LA also is reportedly concocting a trade that would send Rickea Jackson to Chicago in exchange for Ariel Atkins. But the most concrete change they’ve made is bringing back Nneka Ogwumike. Her sister and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike broke the news on Friday morning.
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 Shortly after, Nneka made it clear her homecoming was happening, sharing a video announcing her return to the Sparks.
It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon… pic. twitter. com/Da2xCDv4ux — Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 10, 2026 Nneka’s return raises lots of questions about the plan in Los Angeles.
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