Nneka Ogwumike broke a ton of hearts when she announced her retirement plans after playing a whopping 15 seasons with the W. Ogwumike’s last year in the league with the Sparks might not have gone the way she hoped for, with the team stinking as a unit throughout the season.
Nonetheless, the baller will be leaving a legacy with not just the LA franchise, but also the league in itself, especially after she served as President of the WNBPA for four straight terms. After Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement as commish after the end of this season, a number of names were thrown in for the next candidate, with Ogwumike’s name also entering the list.
At first, it did not seem like Ogwumike had any plans of such a role, but it more and more looks like she might actually be seriously considered as commissioner. The legendary hooper also shared a cryptic post lately, which only added more fuel to the fire.
“‘Tell them you don’t have plans on being the next league commissioner or I will’ – A” Nneka Ogwumike captioned her Instagram post, with a quizzical face on screen.
One reason why I would be backing Nneka Ogwumike as the next commissioner of the WNBA is not because of her many accolades, but mainly because of something she said on the topic last month on the Flagrant and Funny podcast.
“I don’t feel like I’m qualified to be the commissioner…” Nneka Ogwumike said then.
This is exactly the type of humility and self-awareness that I want in the next leader of the WNBA. When a leader is aware of what they bring and what they lack and is open about it, they can be expected to show more accountability, while also designating responsibilities to others.
Nneka Ogwumike Already Proved Herself As WNBPA Prez
Nneka Ogwumike hardly has much to prove when it comes to leadership. Being elected as President of the WNBPA for four straight times is more than enough evidence to show just how much the players respect and trust her.
Perhaps the most important move that Ogwumike pulled off was the recent CBA, which ensures that players are making decent money for the first time in their lives, apart from a number of other incentives and perks.
Those who have been following the WNBA for quite some time know only too well how intense the discussions were. If the negotiations went peacefully and the league was able to avoid a player-boycott, it was quite definitely as a result of Ogwumike’s presence at the wheel.
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