REPORT: Los Angeles Sparks Have Strong Interest In Veteran Nneka Ogwumike In Free Agency

WNBA free agency got off to a very ‘plain’ start, with big-name players like A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart deciding to stay with their franchises. But Satou Sabally and Nneka Ogwumike’s decision to make a move to spice things up as a major powershift would be possible if these veteran stars moved to contender teams.

With the improved CBA, there are salary cap constraints every franchise must consider when signing a veteran star, but the quality these two players bring to the roster makes them a perfect fit for any franchise.

Ogwumike, in particular, is a WNBA champion and Finals MVP, making her a bigger coup in the league despite her age. And there is concrete interest from the Los Angeles Sparks, her former team.

Los Angeles Sparks Looking To Bring Back Nneka Ogwumike

A photo went viral, hinting at the Storm forward signing for the Minnesota Lynx in free agency. While many reporters, including Alexa Philippou, deny the signing, she mentioned that she had a meeting with the Lynx and will talk to other teams, too.

One of those teams would be the Los Angeles Sparks, who, as per Alexa Philippou, are showing strong interest in the forward. “Sparks have ‘strong interest’ in Nneka Ogwumike, per @alexaphilippou, @ramonashelburne,” the post reads.

Sparks have "strong interest" in Nneka Ogwumike, per @alexaphilippou, @ramonashelburne.

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 10, 2026

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This could be a full-circle moment for the 35-year-old who is looking to end her career on a high note. After spending most of her career with the LA team, Ogwumike said, “I have so much, so much love for this city that unconditionally embraced this Stanford kid 12 years ago,”

While there is an emotional connection with the franchise, the player is already 35 and doesn’t have much of an active career left, which would make her decision even more interesting.

Comparing Sparks Vs Lynx Options Nneka Ogwumike

Both Lynx and Sparks will be losing players in the forward line in the 2026 free agency, with rumors around Sparks’ Rickea Jackson trade and also Lynx’s Allana Smith getting some traction. The Lynx are possibly the front-runner for 10-time All-Star’s services as joining the 2025 MVP finalist Napheesa Collier creates an elite frontcourt that immediately positions Minnesota as a top-tier title contender. Although Colliers’ return might be late in the season, Ogwumike would make her mark, filling up the void.

As for the Sparks, although there is much familiarity with the fans, the arena, and the system, the team is looking to create its identity after missing the playoffs in the 2025 season. Although playing alongside Kelsey Plum would benefit Ogwumike, the young roster will take time to reach ‘contender level, which for Ogwumike might be an issue.
It is important to note that both franchises have salary caps to accommodate Ogwumike’s $1 million+ salary.