Sports analyst and former WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike continues to break barriers, having recently signed a multi-year, history-making contract with ESPN.
The new deal has been described as “one of the most lucrative broadcasting deals for any former female professional athlete.”
Ogwumike’s journey from WNBA standout to a top figure in sports media reflects a broader commitment to challenging conventions and paving the way for future generations of women.
The 32-year-old Stanford alum, who was the 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, has expanded her reach in the sports world, balancing a full-time broadcast role with her athletic career and public advocacy.
Under this new ESPN deal, she becomes the first female broadcaster to anchor both “WNBA Countdown” and “NBA Countdown,” a responsibility that she views as a critical step toward gender equality in sports commentary.
“To make history, to me, is just a testament to those who do the work and just grind and know that they’re going to make an impact,” Ogwumike told AFROTECH™. “For me, it’s respecting that women are ballers too, that women can ball too. This role is an embodiment of that.”
Ogwumike’s influence goes beyond her role on camera. With this milestone contract, she joins a select group of female broadcasters advocating for pay equity and opportunity within the industry.
She credits trailblazers like ESPN’s Doris Burke and fellow broadcasters Andraya Carter and Cari Champion for helping her recognize her worth and for pushing transparency around salary discussions to empower women in broadcasting.
Ogwumike recalls the powerful support from other women who shared their salary experiences and encouraged her to “make sure they don’t give you a dollar less.”
As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Ogwumike originally envisioned a career in international relations, with a focus on governance and African affairs, under the mentorship of Condoleezza Rice at Stanford.
Her background gives her unique insight into cultural intersections, which she believes has enriched her voice in sports media, where she can “speak on culture and life and the intersection of so much.”
She views her role as a platform to not only commentate on sports but also champion the full spectrum of women’s accomplishments and influence.
With her expanded role at ESPN, Ogwumike embodies the growing visibility and value of women in sports, both on and off the court.
She acknowledges the power of collaboration over competition, saying:
“We are way more powerful when we’re collaborative. For all those women who are doing the same, I want you to know that this is what you deserve. Don’t let anybody tell you that you deserve anything less.”
Chiney Ogwumike’s landmark deal signifies a turning point for women in sports broadcasting.
