LOS ANGELES, CA – February 16, 2017 – Penny Toler, Los Angeles Sparks’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, today announced a contract extension for 2016 WNBA MVP, Nneka Ogwumike. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 6-foot-2 forward had a record year in 2016, being named the regular season WNBA MVP and scoring the game-winning basket with 3.1 seconds left in Game 5, becoming one of only seven players in WNBA history to win both the regular season MVP award and a championship in the same season. Nneka shot a league high of 66.5 percent from the field, averaging 19.7 ppg and 7.7 rpg and finished the year with a true shooting percentage of 73.7 percent, making her the most efficient shooter in basketball history.
“I am thrilled to announce that Nneka has decided to continue her journey with the Sparks,” said Penny Toler, LA Sparks Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Nneka is the ultimate professional and teammate, she is truly a great role model. She was and is a huge cornerstone in our success and future success.”
Nneka was the #1 pick by the LA Sparks in the 2012 WNBA Draft and has improved her scoring average every season since. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Year that season and has been a WNBA All Star three times, in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
“Nneka had a season for the ages in 2016 and we are so happy she has extended her play days in LA,” said LA Sparks Head Coach, Brian Agler. “Nneka is a great leader, tremendous competitor, and works extremely hard. She is constantly improving her skills, led us to a championship and was also named WNBA MVP! We are looking to continue building our team and it will be with Nneka as the foundation. She has worked hard to become one of the best players in the world.”
The 2017 Sparks season will tip-off May 13 at 2pm, presented by EquiTrust. The home opener will feature the Championship Ring Ceremony. For ticket information for the 3 time champion LA Sparks, call 844-GO-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com. The LA Sparks can be found on all social media outlets at @la_sparks.