Sparks Legend Earns Prestigious Honor for Record Fifth Time

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike has been named the recipient of the 2026 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, marking the fifth time she has earned the honor, the most by any player in WNBA history. The award is Ogwumike's second consecutive and adds to her previous wins in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2025.

The Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award recognizes a player who exemplifies the highest standards of sportsmanship, including ethical behavior, fair play and integrity. Named in honor of the late Kim Perrot, a two-time WNBA champion with the Houston Comets, the award celebrates the values she embodied throughout her career.

Ogwumike received 38 votes from a national panel of 74 sportswriters and broadcasters, earning the honor by a wide margin. New York Liberty forward-guard Rebecca Allen finished second with seven votes, followed by Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell with six. Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton and Washington Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere tied for fourth with four votes each.

In her 15th and final WNBA season, Ogwumike averaged 17.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and a career-high 3.1 assists across 43 games. She led Los Angeles in total points and rebounds while starting every game she played.

A WNBA champion, league MVP and 11-time All-Star, Ogwumike concludes her career as one of the most accomplished players in league history. She ranks fourth all-time in scoring (8,047 points) and steals (718) and third in rebounds (3,657). During the 2026 season, she surpassed Lisa Leslie to become the Sparks' all-time leading scorer, adding to her standing as the franchise's career leader in steals. She also became the all-time leading scorer in WNBA All-Star Game history.

Beyond her individual achievements, Ogwumike's impact has helped shape a defining era of women's basketball. As president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association since 2016, she has been a leading voice for players through a period of unprecedented growth and change across the league, advocating for their interests and helping expand opportunities for future generations.

Her fifth Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award is a fitting recognition of a career defined not only by excellence on the court, but by the integrity, leadership and respect she brought to the game.

Below are the voting results for the 2026 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award and a list of past recipients.