Nneka Ogwumike bids Storm goodbye after 2 years

The 35-year-old forward is likely seeking a big payday in free agency.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic nature of the sport.Nneka Ogwumike's departure from the Seattle Storm signals a shift in the WNBA's power dynamics as players seek more lucrative contracts.Seattle Today

Nneka Ogwumike, a 35-year-old WNBA veteran, has announced her departure from the Seattle Storm after two seasons with the team. In a social media post, Ogwumike expressed gratitude to the Storm organization and its fans, signaling the end of her time in Seattle.

Why it matters

Ogwumike's departure comes amid a new WNBA collective bargaining agreement that is expected to bring significant raises in player salaries. As a veteran with strong performance in recent seasons, Ogwumike is likely seeking a lucrative contract with another team that can provide her the best opportunity to win a championship before retirement.

The details

Ogwumike spent the last two seasons with the Storm, signing one-year contracts in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, she had one of the best seasons of her career, averaging 18.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 53.9% from the field. Her strong performance earned her a sixth-place finish in the MVP voting.

  • Ogwumike signed a one-year, $204,500 contract with the Storm in 2024.
  • In 2025, Ogwumike's contract with the Storm was increased to $195,000.

The players

Nneka Ogwumike

A 35-year-old veteran forward who spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Storm.

Seattle Storm

The WNBA team that Nneka Ogwumike played for over the past two seasons.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Nneka Ogwumike's departure from the Seattle Storm signals the end of an era for the veteran forward, who is likely seeking a more lucrative contract with another team as the WNBA enters a new era of increased player salaries. Her strong performance in recent seasons, including a sixth-place MVP finish in 2025, makes her a valuable free agent target for teams looking to bolster their rosters.