On Thursday afternoon it was reported that the Los Angeles Sparks cored Forward Nneka Ogwumike. The news was announced by Rachel Galligan of The Winsidr. Nneka Ogwumike also served as president of The WNBPA and will enter her ninth year with Los Angeles. Coring Nneka Ogwumike gives Los Angeles exclusive negotiating rights to her contract. And under the new CBA rules guarantee her a max or close to max salary.
In the 2020 season Ogwumike was efficient as always; shooting the ball 56% from the floor while shooting at a career-high 50% from 3. 2020 was a difficult year for many; Ogwumike missed a host of games including LAs only playoff game against the Connecticut Sun. Ogwumike who won an MVP in 2016 is also a six-time all-time All-star. Nneka also ranks second in the WNBA for all-time shooting percentage at 61.6%.
Since Los Angeles cored Nneka Ogwumike; it means guard Chelsea Gray along with Candace Parker will hit free agency on Jan. 15th as unrestricted free agents. Parker who is the reigning DPOTY will be highly sought after by teams looking to make a big free agency splash. In addition to Gray who is credited as one of the WNBA best passers will also be highly sought after. It will be up to Head Coach and General Manager Derek Fisher for them to stay in LA.
Los Angeles who are dealing with a limited cap will still have some very tough decisions to make. But with the coring of Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles will have one less thing to worry about.
Follow me on Twitter @WNBAUncut and check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport. Also, check out Liz Cambage Secures Her Second WNBL Championship article.
Make sure to shop all things WNBA and Soccer here.
