Eight-time WNBA all-Star and member of the league’s W25 team headed to Seattle
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced the signing of eight-time WNBA All-Star, six-time All-WNBA pick and the 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike (NEH-kuh oh-gwoo-MIH-kay). Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Nneka is one of the most impactful players in the history of our league, not only her achievements on the court but also as an agent of positive change across the WNBA,” said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea. “I know Seattle and our community share our enthusiasm that Nneka is coming to the Storm.”
Ogwumike has consistently been among the league’s top offensive threats, ranking in the top 30 in scoring in each of her 12 seasons played including seven times in the top 12. She has amassed 5,883 career points—one of just 16 players in WNBA history with at least 5,800 points and the fifth youngest to reach the milestone. Ogwumike’s career scoring average of 16.6 ppg is the eighth-best among active players, just .004 points per game behind new teammate Jewell Loyd. In 2021, she was one of nine active players to be named to The W25 team honoring the 25 best and most influential players of the first 25 years of the WNBA.
“I’m stepping into this season of change with you, Seattle,” said Ogwumike. “With my teammates, coaches, staff, organization, ownership, and, most importantly, the fans. Every part of me is grateful and ready for this opportunity to continue to be great and sustain legacy. You can’t calm this Storm.”
Ogwumike posted some of the best numbers of her career in 2023, rivaling those posted during her 2016 WNBA MVP campaign. She finished the season ranked sixth in scoring (19.1 ppg), rebounding (8.8 rpg), and steals (1.7 spg) en route to being named to the All-WNBA team for a sixth time and sixth All-Defensive Team selection. Ogwumike scored in double-figures in 34 of 36 games played last year, eclipsing 20 points 18 times and posting 16 double-doubles, matching her career high and giving her 101 for her career—the fifth-most in WNBA history.
“The chance to coach Nneka, a veteran in our league with championship experience, is such an incredible opportunity for our team,” said Storm Head Coach Noelle Quinn. “Nneka is an efficient scorer, a strong rebounder, an elite defender, and is one of the most versatile players in the W. We know she will immediately elevate our play this season.”
Ogwumike was the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2012 WNBA Draft after a standout career at Stanford, leading the Cardinal to four-straight NCAA Final Four appearances. She has spent her entire 12-year WNBA career thus far with the Sparks, helping the team to the 2016 WNBA Championship, averaging 15.4 points and 10.0 rebounds in the five-game series win over Minnesota. Ogwumike is also the president of the WNBA Players Association, leading the WNBPA through the process of agreeing to a groundbreaking new Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2020, and an advocate for equality, opportunity, women’s empowerment, and health and wellness.
Ogwumike joins fellow free agent signee Skylar Diggins-Smith and Storm standout Jewell Loyd to form one of the highest scoring trios in the league. The three combined to average 63.5 points per game with their respective teams in their last season played, the highest combined total of any trio on a current WNBA roster. In addition, the Storm now has three of the league’s Top 12 active career scoring leaders on the 2024 roster as Diggins-Smith ranks ninth (16.7 ppg) with Loyd and Ogwumike in a virtual tie for 11th (16.6 ppg).
Season tickets, Storm Mini Plans, and Group Experiences are available for the 2024 season while single game tickets will go on sale in the spring. For more info, visit http://stormbasketball.com, or call 206-217-WNBA (9622).