Former WNBA MVP Ogwumike back in L.A.
As she left Crypto.com Arena last year after the Sparks' last game, Nneka Ogwumike left local reporters with cheerful parting words. “See you next season.”
The former Stanford star and WNBA MVP made that statement official Friday by re-signing with the Sparks as an unrestricted free agent. Ogwumike will return to the franchise for a 12th season, hoping to help the organization rekindle its success after two consecutive losing seasons.
Ogwumike averaged 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals last season, earning second-team AllWNBA honors and a seventh All-Star appearance.
Yet the Sparks have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since Ogwumike lost longtime co-star Candace Parker. While Parker went to Chicago as a free agent in 2021, won a title with her hometown team and then signed with the Las Vegas Aces this year, Ogwumike has been a steadying presence during the Sparks' recent struggles.
Golf SUH LEADS, KIRK SHOOTS 62 IN HONDA CLASSIC >>
There have been about 7,200 rounds played at the Honda Classic since it moved to PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., 17 years ago. Only two of those were better than the one turned in by Chris Kirk.
Kirk shot an 8-under 62 in the second round, moving him to 9 under for the week and one shot behind Justin Suh (64) at the tournament's midway point. Kirk had an eagle and six birdies, hitting 16 greens and taking advantage of no wind blowing in the morning — very rare for PGA National.
There was no shortage of players taking dead aim. Ryan Gerard (63) and Ben Taylor (65) were tied for third at 8 under.
CASEY, KOKRAK SHARE LIV GOLF LEAD >> Paul Casey birdied his last three holes for a 6-under 65 and a share of the lead with Jason Kokrak as the second season of Saudi-funded LIV Golf began at Mayakoba in Mexico.
HALL OF FAMER STEPHENSON HAS CANCER >>
Jan Stephenson, a three-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Her “Crossroads Foundation” said the cancer was stage 3 and the 71-year-old Australian will begin a treatment of chemotherapy and radiation in the next two weeks.
Soccer QUAKES SIGN NO. 1 PICK MUNIE >>
Former Indiana University star defender Daniel Munie, who was taken 10th overall in the MLS Draft by the Earthquakes, signed a contract with San Jose that runs through 2026.
NFL NAGY BACK AS CHIEFS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR >>
The Kansas City Chiefs promoted Matt Nagy to offensive coordinator to replace Eric Bieniemy who left to become Washington's offensive coordinator. Nagy held the job before departing Andy Reid's staff for an opportunity as the head coach in Chicago, where he went 34-31 before being fired in 2021.
Nagy spent two seasons directing the Chiefs' offense with Alex Smith at quarterback. He returned to the Chiefs as their quarterbacks coach.
Bieniemy, the Chiefs' offensive coordinator the past five seasons, left Kansas City after its win over the Eagles in the Super Bowl to take the offensive coordinator job in Washington.
BEATHARD RE-SIGNS WITH JAGUARS >>
Former 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard signed a two-year contract extension to remain Trevor Lawrence's backup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He's 2-10 as an NFL starter, with all 12 starts coming during his three seasons with the 49ers.
Women's basketball NO. 7 TERRAPINS DOWN NO. 16 BUCKEYES 76-74 >>
Abby Meyers scored 24 points and No. 7 Maryland (24-5, 15-3 Big Ten) finished the regular season on a six-game winning streak with a victory over No. 16 Ohio State (23-6, 12-6) in Columbus, Ohio.