Overview
- Ogwumike announced on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, that she will retire at the end of the 2026 WNBA season after 15 years in the league.
- She finishes a decorated career as a 2016 MVP, 2016 champion, 11-time All-Star and one of the WNBA’s all-time leaders in points and rebounds while still producing All-Star level numbers this season.
- As WNBPA president since 2016 she led two collective bargaining negotiations, including the 2026 agreement that sharply raised average and maximum salaries and improved player benefits.
- A union source and multiple reports say she will remain WNBPA president until executive-committee elections before year-end and that she is linked to the Project B startup with expected play next season, which has not been formally confirmed by Ogwumike.
- The Sparks are 12–23 and facing likely postseason elimination with limited games left so Ogwumike’s final weeks will focus on finishing her playing career while her choices could shape future leadership or international playing roles.