Chiney Ogwumike is more than just a WNBA star. She’s a full-time NBA analyst, national radio show host, businesswoman, and rising star in so many facets of her life.
According to Abigail Gentrup of Front Office Sports, at just 29 years old, Ogwumike has built a 7-figure empire.
Ogwumike was the No. 1 pick in the 2014 WNBA draft and while the two-time All-Star has built a successful career on the court, it’s her off-the-court achievements that are really beginning to shine.
In 2018, Ogwumike became one of the youngest commentators to be named a full-time NBA analyst after signing a multi-year contract with ESPN. Two years later, she became the first Black woman and WNBA player to host a national radio show for the network, per FOS.
“It takes sacrifice,” Ogwumike told Front Office Sports. “People don’t see the sacrifice women give to get to that same level. My family has come to terms with the fact that I will not [always be able to] call them back due to working, prepping for shows, and being on air.”
Her work ethic and willingness to take on any and all opportunities regardless of compensation early in her career have turned out to be one of the major keys to her success.
“The way I’ve approached partnership is taking opportunity over compensation,” she told FOS. “Prove ourselves as valuable, and then the compensation comes.”
Ogwumike has done more than just prove herself valuable to both the WNBA and ESPN.
As noted by FOS, “after opting out of the regular season last year due to health concerns and with support from her team, Ogwumike proposed the idea of filming the WNBA’s bubble season — one set in the middle of a pandemic and social justice movement.”
The WNBA and ESPN gave Ogwumike the green light to move forward with the idea and serve as an executive producer on the film.
Debuting next month, the ESPN documentary will highlight the league’s activism surrounding social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the season. FOS also explains that it will touch on the election and removal of previous Atlanta Dream owner Sen. Kelly Loeffler from office.
“I want to continue to tell more stories and keep pushing boundaries in broadcast and business,” she said. “It takes a full-court press to get their attention for the right reasons, and we are sitting on a treasure trove of stories that haven’t been prioritized.”