Phoenix Mercury v Atlanta Dream COLLEGE PARK, GA - AUGUST 5: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball during a game between Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on August 5, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. 9589
Phoenix Mercury v Atlanta Dream COLLEGE PARK, GA - AUGUST 5: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball during a game between Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on August 5, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. 9589
Just this Wednesday, Nneka Ogwumike’s retirement announcement got the league feeling emptier than ever. But beyond that, Angel Reese had some stuff to share about the WNBA vet.
“I remember my first All-Star; she was there with me in Phoenix,” the Atlanta Dream star said, per an X clip posted by Southern California News reporter John W. Davis. “Being able to just talk to me and be there for me as a person more than a player has been great. So I'm just really happy for her.”
In her announcement, Ogwumike squeezed in a special shoutout for Reese and Tina Thompson, whom she played against over her 15-season career. The 36-year-old mentioned the sense of completion she felt for being in the league from Maya Moore to A’Ja Wilson’s time.
COLLEGE PARK, GA - JULY 13: Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike 30 reacts during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Atlanta Dream on July 13th, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 13 Los Angeles Sparks at Atlanta Dream EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260713050
COLLEGE PARK, GA - JULY 13: Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike 30 reacts during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Atlanta Dream on July 13th, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 13 Los Angeles Sparks at Atlanta Dream EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260713050
Reese has been in the league for just 3 seasons. But in that short time, she has seen the 11x All-Star be a prolific on-court competitor and the players' advocate during the CBA negotiations as the WNBPA president. She didn’t hesitate to bring that up.
“She's fought for us behind the scenes,” Reese added to the same segment. “I know her career has been amazing for 15 years. And me being able to be a part of three is phenomenal. But she's brought so much to all of us.”
But before the curtain drops, there are more games to be played. And Reese doesn’t plan to let Ogwumike walk away with a better on-court ending.
Angel Reese on Her Final Game With Nneka Ogwumike
For a player of Ogwumike’s caliber, the best ending will probably be a tough game. Before the regular season concludes on September 24, Atlanta has one more game to play with Ogwumike and the LA Sparks. And Reese plans to make it as competitive as ever.
“I'm sad to see her go. But to be able to walk away on your own terms is really good. And I know she's happy,” Reese added to the same conversation. “Obviously, she's still a competitor. So I'm not going to just let her do whatever she wants.”
August 24 marks the final Dream vs Sparks matchup of the season, also the last Ogwumike vs Reese. Whatever the outcome is, surely it’ll only strengthen the bond between the two.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
Follow Her Sports Nation for more.
Written by
Deblina Roy