Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike is one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, and there are multiple signs that the Minnesota Lynx is closing in on securing her services. However, a new report could throw a monkey wrench into the Lynx’s plans.
Insiders Alexa Philippou and Ramona Shelburne have both confirmed that the LA Sparks are keenly eyeing Ogwumike, who averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last year and notched her 10th WNBA All-Star selection.
If the Sparks successfully acquire Nneka Ogwumike, they’ll be able to boost their firepower on offense. This is significant as Rickea Jackson, the Sparks’ third-leading scorer last season, is figuring in trade talks with the Chicago Sky.
Aside from her production on the court, Ogwumike also brings veteran leadership to the locker room. 2026 will be her 13th season in the league, and on top of this, her work as president of the players’ association was instrumental in reaching a tentative agreement with the league on a new CBA.
As for the Lynx, it’s clear that they’ve been making major moves to get Ogwumike to play in Minnesota. Reports have emerged about a planned visit by Ogwumike to the Lynx facility, a venue where there were apparently balloons with the message “Welcome Nneka.”
Insider Annie Costabile, however, clarified that the leaked video showing the balloons at the venue was not confirmation that Ogwumike would be joining the Minnesota roster. Costabile reported that Ogwumike will, in fact, be “meeting with other teams.”
“They’re a Little Confused”: Nneka Ogwumike Reacts to Viral Video of Minnesota Balloon Company
Thanks to the clip posted by Minnesota-based balloon company Amazing Balloons, many netizens have been convinced that Nneka Ogwumike has made up her mind on joining the Lynx.
To seemingly refute this notion, Ogwumike posted a TikTok mocking the balloon company.
“Balloon company clearly thinks they’re the birthday… They’re a little confused, they’re the surprise party,” she wrote in the caption.
In another TikTok, Ogwumike clarified that she just “wanted to talk” with the Lynx in that particular Minnesota visit.