WNBA Veteran Nneka Ogwumike’s retirement decision may have left many in disbelief. But not her sister, Chiney Ogwumike.

Sister bonds are just built different. When the 15-season pro announced her decision to retire after the 2026 season this Wednesday, drawing a tremendous amount of emotional responses, Chiney only congratulated her sister. And it makes sense why.

“I think it was just a natural progression of feeling like she's done everything,” Chiney said during the latest appearance on the Game Recognize Game podcast. “She's run every race. She's led in every way possible. And you know, she just felt complete… I just know her…”

Entering the league as LA Sparks’ 2012 No.1 overall draft pick, playing with WNBA stars Maya Moore and Candace Parker, being named All-Star 11 times, winning a championship with the Sparks in 2016, and leading the CBA bargain as the WNBPA president, Ogwumike has done it all.

In fact, even at the age of 36, she is playing at a high level, averaging 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists with the Sparks this year. Hence, feeling a sense of completion is only natural. Her sister just happened to catch on the wind fast.

And she has been totally on point with that, too.

Nneka Ogwumike’s Announcement Proved Her Sister’s Claim Right

Though Chiney now works in broadcasting, her read on Nneka proved prescient. But for those who missed how close she came to the mark, revisiting Nneka Ogwumike’s announcement might help.

"I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I've been able to play and compete at such a high level. And I am proud to say that I'm retiring from the WNBA,” she said during her latest appearance on Boardroom Talks.

“With 15 years under my belt, I feel very content with what we were able to achieve coming into this season, where we see the league today,” the star added. “I was in the league during the Maya Moore era. I'm in the league during the A'ja Wilson era.”

Ogwumike’s departure does leave the league on a rocky stretch, but new future endeavors await her. And sure enough, Chiney will accompany her every step, just as she knew her sister’s decision and supported her thoroughly.

Can you name another WNBA sister duo like them? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy