Nneka Ogwumike: A Dual Role in Women’s Basketball
Nneka Ogwumike is celebrated as a 10-time WNBA All-Star, recognized for her remarkable skills on the basketball court. However, her influence extends beyond her athletic achievements.
Currently, she serves as the president of the WNBA Players Association, a position she has held since 2016. This offseason, she has been actively involved in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, a process that has reached an impasse and might affect the start of the WNBA season, set for May 8.
Right now, there’s a disconnect between players and owners on several crucial issues like revenue sharing and housing. Ogwumike is keenly aware of the significance of this period in the league, especially following some of its most successful seasons and the introduction of two new professional teams this spring.
“It’s definitely not casual,” Ogwumike remarked during a phone conversation with SB Nation. Recently, she spoke at the LPGA Women’s Leadership Summit in Orlando. “I don’t see what we’re doing as casual. It feels historic, and I’m grateful to be part of the league’s growth. Negotiating the value of something on the rise is extraordinary. It’s amazing to contribute to its current framework and its future potential.”
Balancing Act: Life as a Player and Union Leader
As she navigates the CBA negotiations, Ogwumike keeps her playing career at the forefront. In the midst of the WNBA offseason, she dedicates three to four hours each morning to training before addressing her responsibilities as WNBPA president.
“No two days are the same,” she explained. “But there’s consistent communication about CBA negotiations, whether it’s with staff, council, executive committee, or even individual players.”
She’s not alone in these negotiations, though. Other players share the load, and the union’s leadership includes notable athletes like Kelsey Plumb and Brianna Stewart. Her past experience in successfully negotiating a CBA in 2020 is certainly beneficial.
“I’m not in this by myself,” she emphasized. “This is my second round as president, and while I don’t fully grasp everything, I feel I can provide more support in various ways. I’m beginning to understand the purpose behind my role.”
Juggling daily training with her other duties has been challenging for her. “It’s a work in progress,” she said with a hint of laughter. “I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand it.”
However, she has learned to establish boundaries, limiting direct communication to a handful of “favorite” contacts. “We’ve learned that being available 24/7 isn’t necessary,” she noted.
Yet, connecting with all the league’s players remains a priority, despite being a significant challenge. “Making every player feel they have a relationship with me is difficult,” she admitted. “I can’t realistically be close to everyone, but I want each player to feel comfortable reaching out.”
Looking Ahead: CBA Negotiations
When asked about the progress of the CBA negotiations, Ogwumike smiled. “I believe we’re showcasing remarkable perseverance,” she stated. “We’re united in our message, our priorities, and our negotiation goals. There are certain things we won’t compromise on, yet we understand the need for good-faith negotiations.”
She made it clear that while reaching a deal quickly is a goal, the content of the agreement is what truly matters. “It would be great to wrap this up sooner, but we want to ensure it’s a solid deal,” she expressed. “We’re proud of our negotiations and look forward to the upcoming season. Our players are eager to play, and we want to ensure we receive proper recognition on the court.”
Ogwumike does feel a significant amount of responsibility resting on her shoulders.
Yet, she remains thankful for the opportunity to be in this position alongside her fellow players.
With optimism, she believes a resolution is within reach. “We’re in a league filled with contributors,” she noted. “We aim to build the league we envision.” She added, “I wouldn’t say I feel stressed—more so motivated and inspired. Being surrounded by such amazing women fuels that dedication. We look forward to creating more historic moments together.”
