Nneka Ogwumike named to TIME Closers 2026 list for WNBA advocacy appeared first on Clutch Points. Add ClutchPoints as Favorite source by clicking here.
Nneka Ogwumike has yet another accolade to add to his career collection, but it doesn’t come from his on-field accomplishments. THE Seattle Storm The star was named one of the recipients of TIME’s “The Closers 2026” award, given to black leaders working for equality in the United States.
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Ogwumike’s inclusion results from her off-field work as president of the WNBPA, paving the way for the players union’s negotiations with the league on a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) this offseason. As an actor on the front line of negotiations, Ogwumike has been one of the W’s most vocal players. when it comes to defending what she and others view as a fair deal with the league.
“When you look at how much is made, it’s basically one decimal place. A fair share is all we’re looking for. And it’s over a million,” Ogwumike said.
Discussions appeared to slow down once the January 9 extension deadline passed, even as the WNBA and WNBPA continued to meet. However, Ogwumike remains positive about the players’ chances of securing ratification of a new deal before operations begin for the 2026 season.
“The energy, the experience from a player’s point of view, it’s like nothing other than going up and moving forward,” she said. “It involves a certain level of influence in the negotiation. The players understand their value, they understand their value. That’s what we want. That’s what we deserve.”
In her interview with TIME, the 10-time WNBA All-Star and former league MVP cited her cultural background as a first-generation Nigerian American as one of the factors that drives her desire to be a leader in the basketball community.
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“Nigerian culture is all about loyalty, pride and a strong sense of community,” says Ogwumike. “Having that kind of perspective on the world allowed me to understand that there’s a lot going on outside of what I can see right in front of me.”
Although the WNBA has yet to release a counterproposal to the WNBPA’s latest offer, neither side has initiated a strike or lockout. The players demanded, among other things, a maximum salary of $1.3 million, a salary cap of approximately $10.5 million and 30% of their gross income.
