WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issues statement about Nneka Ogwumike’s retirement

With former MVP Nneka Ogwumike announcing her retirement following the 2026 WNBA season, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has spoken about her incredible career.

Once she retires following the 2026 WNBA season, fans will be able to truly appreciate Nneka Ogwumike’s impact on women’s basketball as well as the league.

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Following the 36-year-old’s announcement on Wednesday, there was an outpouring of appreciation and tributes from the WNBA world for the former champion.

The first overall draft pick in 2012, Ogwumike has enjoyed an exceptional career. And with her peers showing her love, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert wasn’t far behind.

Cathy Engelbert praises Nneka Ogwumike’s ‘grace and conviction’ in heartfelt tribute

The Los Angeles Sparks legend has achieved much more in the W than just her exploits on the court. As the WNBPA President for 10 years, Ogwumike has been instrumental in shaping the league.

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In her role and as an extremely prominent voice in the league, Ogwumike has interacted a lot with Engelbert. Thus, it is not surprising that the latter’s statement about the retirement seems very heartfelt.

“There is no telling the story of the WNBA’s recent growth and evolution without Nneka Ogwumike,” Engelbert’s official statement read. Her extraordinary career has been defined not only by excellence, but by the way she has led and lifted those around her.

“She is a champion and MVP, one of the most accomplished players of all time, and a fierce competitor who has represented the very best our game has to offer.

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“For 15 seasons, Nneka has led with grace and conviction, competed with an unmistakable spark, and carried herself with a generosity and thoughtfulness that have earned the admiration of everyone across our game.

“Nneka will retire at the end of this season leaving the WNBA much better than she found it — a testament not only to the player she has been, but to the person and leader she is.

“I have been fortunate to work closely with Nneka over the years and have been inspired by her passion and unwavering commitment to the players.

“It has been a privilege to watch her remarkable journey, and while there is still more basketball to be played this season, we congratulate her on an extraordinary career and look forward to celebrating her in the months ahead.”

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The 11-time All-Star’s retirement will leave a definite gap in terms of leadership among the league’s players. Hopefully, she has inspired enough of the younger stars to follow in her footsteps.

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