Nneka Ogwumike Climbs to Fifth All-Time in WNBA Scoring, Overtaking Tamika Catchings

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike has further solidified her legacy in the WNBA, ascending to fifth place on the league's all-time scoring list. This significant achievement came as she surpassed Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings during the Sparks' 97-88 road win against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday.

Ogwumike's milestone moment occurred when she scored 12 points in the game, bringing her career total to 7,383 points. She entered the contest needing just ten points to overtake Catchings, who concluded her illustrious career with 7,380 points. The pivotal basket was an elbow jumper in the second quarter, which extended the Sparks' lead to 13 points.

A Night of Historical Significance

The game itself was already steeped in historical context, serving as a celebration of the WNBA's 30th year. Both the Sparks and the Mercury, two of the league's original franchises, honored the occasion by wearing retro uniforms. Ogwumike's record-breaking performance added an unplanned yet fitting layer of historical depth to the evening's festivities.

Her consistent excellence and leadership were highlighted by teammate Cameron Brink, who shared her admiration postgame. "Nneka amazes me every day," Brink stated. "It’s just her ability to lead and be a super caring human but also just a killer on the court. So we’re super proud of her.”

Pursuing Further Scoring Records

With her new career total of 7,383 points, Ogwumike is now within striking distance of Tina Thompson, who currently holds fourth place on the all-time scoring list with 7,491 points. Thompson's record is just 105 points ahead, indicating that Ogwumike could continue her climb up the rankings in the near future.

The setting for Ogwumike's achievement was also notable. Taking place in Phoenix, it occurred in the presence of the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, Diana Taurasi. Interestingly, Taurasi set her own all-time scoring record against the Sparks in 2017, with Ogwumike notably defending her on the play that secured that milestone. Taurasi concluded her 20-year career with an astounding 10,646 points.

Impact On and Off the Court

Ogwumike's influence extends beyond her on-court performance. Over the past few months, she has been recognized for her significant contributions as president of the WNBA Players’ Association. In this role, she was instrumental in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, marking her second such negotiation. Both agreements have been lauded as transformative for both the league and its players, reshaping player rights and opportunities.

Despite these substantial off-court accomplishments, Ogwumike remains driven by her basketball aspirations. She made a much-discussed return to Los Angeles in the 2026 offseason, where she began her WNBA career as the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 and played for 12 seasons. This move was widely characterized by those within the organization as a "full-circle moment," signifying her desire to win a championship with her original franchise.

Ogwumike herself emphasized that her return was not solely sentimental. "I didn’t actually want to leave (L.A.), but I felt like I needed to, considering the growth that we wanted to see further in the organization," Ogwumike explained during the preseason, referencing her two seasons with the Seattle Storm. "Because of the amazing progress that I’ve seen in just the two years in my absence, it just made a lot of sense … to make the move to come on back home."

Current Season Outlook

The Los Angeles Sparks currently hold a 2-3 record to start the season following their victory over the Mercury. The team is focused on securing a playoff berth, a goal they haven't achieved since the 2020 season. In her 15th professional season, Ogwumike continues to be a key player for the Sparks, averaging 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

Her continued ascent on the WNBA's all-time scoring list underscores her enduring excellence and profound impact on the league, solidifying her position as one of its most accomplished players.

Key Scoring Milestones

• Career Points: 7,383
• All-Time Scoring Rank: 5th
• Points Behind 4th Place (Tina Thompson): 105
• Points Ahead of Tamika Catchings: 3
• Current Season Averages: 6 PPG, 6.6 RPG

This development is important for NationalSportsWeb readers as it highlights a major individual achievement by a prominent WNBA player. It contributes to the ongoing narrative of the league's history and top performers, a key area of interest for our audience following professional basketball.

Source: The Athletic (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7299743/2026/05/22/nneka-ogwumike-wnba-fifth-points-leader-tamika-catchings/)