Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream secured their third win in four games on Tuesday night, jumping to 22-13 on the 2026 WNBA season after a 97-82 win over A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. Now, the Dream will turn their attention to Thursday’s matchup, remaining on the road to Nneka Ogwumike and the Los Angeles Sparks.
Reese has been one of the top players in the WNBA since joining the league in 2024. The former LSU Tigers forward has continued her solid play during her first year in Atlanta, earning a third WNBA All-Star nod while averaging 15.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
However, ahead of the game in Los Angeles, Reese paid tribute to one WNBA star, who recently announced that the 2026 season will be her last.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, Ogwumike appeared on an episode of Taylor Rooks’ podcast “Boardroom.” And when asked about her future in the WNBA, the Sparks forward revealed that she will retire following this season.
“I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I’ve been able to play and compete at such a high level,” Ogwumike said. “And I am proud to say that I am retiring from the WNBA.”
Ogwumike spent the majority of her career with Los Angeles, along with a brief stint with the Seattle Storm from 2024 to 2025. The No. 1 pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft will certainly go down as one of the best players in league history, winning a WNBA championship, an MVP award and earning 11 All-Star nods.
Reese paid tribute to Ogwumike following the retirement announcement, sending a message to the Los Angeles star on her Instagram Story.
“MUVAAAAA 👸,” Reese wrote. “since i came into the league, you’ve shown me nothing but love and treated me like i was one of your own. my first vet. one of my GOATS. 🥹 thank you for always pouring into me, believing in me, and having my back. like i already told you, your 15 years in this league were FLAWLESS, but somehow the person you are off the court speaks even louder than everything you accomplished on. you deserve ALL your flowers and so much more. forever grateful for you. LOVE YOU SIS @nneka 🖤💐”
Following the Sparks matchup, Reese and the Dream will be back in action on Saturday, facing the Phoenix Mercury at 10 p.m. ET.
