Nneka Ogwumike’s final game ever in the Emerald City saw the Seattle Storm go all out to honor their former forward, even as she absolutely went off for the visiting Los Angeles Sparks. Ogwumike, who recently announced her retirement at the end of the season, came back to Seattle for the last time on Sunday, and our Storm showed her immense respect before she even stepped on the court.
The Emerald City Says Goodbye to a Legend
Our players arrived at the arena wearing Ogwumike’s No. 3 Seattle jersey, a fantastic touch to kick off the day. She might have spent almost her entire 15-year WNBA career with the Sparks, but her two-year interlude here from 2024-2025 was impactful. The Storm didn’t forget that. They also honored her preseason, presenting her with a framed edition of her Seattle jersey and having her meet with Storm owners right on the court. It was a class act from a class organization, making sure a player who returned to Los Angeles last offseason on a one-year deal knew she was still appreciated in the PNW.
23 Points and a Career Full of Fire
When the game started, Ogwumike clearly decided she wasn’t just here for the ceremony. She led both teams with a monster double-double, putting up 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Yeah, the Sparks ended up winning the game 90-74, but watching Ogwumike play with that kind of fire one last time in Seattle was something else. Her decision to retire closes out a ridiculously decorated career. We’re talking 11-time All-Star, the 2012 Rookie of the Year, and the 2016 league MVP when she led the Sparks to a WNBA championship. And let’s not forget her work as the president of the WNBA players union, where she was key in negotiating the new collective bargaining agreement that was finalized just this past May. She told Taylor Rooks on “Boardroom Talks” that she’s found “power in knowing when to walk away,” saying she feels “grateful, fulfilled, and at peace.” You love to hear it.
Her career might be winding down with the Sparks eliminated from playoff contention, but she still has four games left. Her final WNBA game ever will be at home on September 24th, as the Sparks take on the Golden State Valkyries. Go get ’em, Nneka. Enjoy every last second.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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