Sparks re-sign Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike to one-year deals

Sparks fans rejoice. The Ogwumike sisters are back.

Forward Nneka Ogwumike has re-signed with the Los Angeles Sparks, according to ESPN women's basketball writer M.A. Voepel. She signed a one-year, $165,000 contract. Chiney Ogwumike, a commentator for ESPN and a two-time WNBA All-Star, also re-signed with the Sparks.

The president of the WNBA player's union and the 2016 WNBA MVP, Nneka averaged 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 34 games played for the Sparks in 2022. She earned her sixth All-Star selection in her tenth season with the Sparks.

"I feel like I'm reaching a pivotal point my career and understanding what I want it to mean," Nneka told ESPN. "I'm excited to see a lot of the enhancements that we're making. I'm grateful to be surrounded by both players, coaches and staff that have a greater vision for the organization.

"I feel really good with where I'm at and how I'm progressing as an athlete. I want to be able to win and do that with some great people. I really do believe in this organization."

Chiney Ogwumike averaged 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game in 26 games played in seven starts for the Sparks. She will reunite with now-Sparks head coach Curt Miller, who coached her for two seasons with the Connecticut Sun, according to ESPN's Alexa Philippou.

"I'm not going to lie, the last two seasons for me have been the hardest seasons," Chiney said on NBA Today.

"You all know the peaks and valleys of basketball. But nonetheless, I'm grateful for this new chapter, to be back with L.A., reunited with my former coach, Curt Miller. The WNBA has real momentum and I'm grateful to still be part of it."

Nneka and Chiney re-upping with the Sparks demonstrates the players' loyalty to the franchise and is a refreshing sign for the league.