With just four games remaining and the Sparks out of playoff contention, there’s little on-court excitement for fans this season. However, the final home games at Crypto.com Arena promise memorable moments with two special events: the unveiling of Lisa Leslie’s statue and Nneka Ogwumike’s farewell game.
On Sunday, September 20, during the Sparks’ matchup against the Portland Fire, Leslie’s statue will be revealed, marking the first time in franchise history a player has been honored in this way. This milestone represents not only a huge achievement for Leslie but also a significant moment for the Sparks organization. Her statue, prominently displayed at Star Plaza alongside icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Jerry West, symbolizes the progress and potential for Sparks players, WNBA stars, and female athletes in Los Angeles. It sends a powerful message that anything is possible.
Leslie, who is already a Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA champion, and has her jersey retired in the rafters, will now have her likeness welcoming fans as they enter the legendary arena.
Ogwumike’s return to the Sparks may not have been the ideal homecoming many hoped for, but she has delivered strong performances, averaging 17.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. She also gave fans a season highlight with a game-winning shot against the New York Liberty during the Court Origins game, which celebrated the WNBA’s 30th anniversary season.
Appropriately, Leslie—one of the pioneers who played in the very first WNBA game in June 1997—was there to share in the celebration with Ogwumike. After announcing her retirement in August, Ogwumike will play her final game on September 24 against the Golden State Valkyries in what promises to be an unmissable event.
While details are still under wraps, the Sparks are expected to honor Ogwumike’s career with heartfelt speeches, a moving tribute, and appearances by basketball legends. Although this isn’t the season Sparks fans dreamed of in 2026, these celebrations offer a chance to end on a positive note—recognizing the incredible legacies of Leslie and Ogwumike, and honoring the impact they’ve made on the sport.
Fan Take: This news is incredibly meaningful for WNBA fans because it honors two of the league’s greatest players while spotlighting the growth and recognition of women’s basketball in LA. Celebrating these icons not only preserves the sport’s history but also inspires the next generation to chase greatness without limits.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
