The Seattle Storm has signed Nigeria descent Nneka Ogwumike, the eight-time WNBA All-Star, six-time All-WNBA choice, and the 2016 WNBA MVP although, the deal’s terms were not revealed in accordance with team policy.
“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.”
Throughout her 12 seasons of play, Ogwumike has ranked in the top 30 in scoring seven times, placing her among the league’s top offensive threats. With 5,883 career points, she is the seventh youngest player to reach the milestone and one of just 16 players in WNBA history with at least 5,800 points.
Ogwumike only behind new colleague Jewell Loyd by.004 points per game with a lifetime scoring average of 16.6 ppg, which ranks seventh among active players. She was one of nine active players selected for The W25 squad in 2021, which honored the top 25 players and most significant figures from 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.”
“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.
She 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.
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