Nneka Ogwumike

Despite the 2023 Los Angeles Sparks season ending in disappointing fashion, Nneka Ogwumike remained poised and still was the eminent leader of the team. She finished the season averaging 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 51.2 percent from the field. In addition to her dominant season, she also held the responsibility of continuing to improve the working and beneficial conditions of the WNBA as the WNBA Players Association President. In 2020, the league reached a new groundbreaking CBA which included new elements of new groundbreaking salaries, cash compensation, quality of travel, free agency elements, career development opportunities and retirement transition strategy. Ogwumike knew this CBA was a major step forward but there is still room for growth. Her ability to dominate the league and still ensure that her peers have options during and after basketball is remarkable.

Although the Sparks didn't end the 2023 season with a bang, Ogwumike didn't complain, or trash the organization. People should pay attention to the future Hall of Famer because, after 12 seasons, she decided to take her talents to the Seattle Storm. She finished the 2023 season with similar numbers to her MVP season, showing she still has plenty of prime left. During the offseason, the Storm signed Skylar Diggins-Smith and the team still has Jewell Lloyd aka the Golden Mamba, preparing to take a run at the Aces for a WNBA title.

Ogwumike helped lead the WNBA to a new CBA that pushes the needle closer to equity and inclusion. Granted there is still room for improvement but it is a start. She helped WNBA players secure more funding, safer travel conditions, benefits for new mothers, and more competitive wages.