You also just signed a four-year contract extension with ESPN—how does it feel to have that kind of long-term commitment with the network?
Honestly, it feels surreal. When I started in 2018, people didn’t really know my story even though I had some of the strongest basketball credentials as a number one pick and as an All-Star. I had to build credibility from the ground up. I always say, “They see you before they hear you; they judge you before they know you—but they can’t stop you.” So getting to this level and locking in for four more years? It’s validation to keep going.
You have a unique perspective as a broadcaster, also being a professional athlete. How does that hands-on experience shape your coverage compared to journalists without an athletic background?
As an athlete and as a Black woman in this space, I’ve had to be extra resilient. People question, “What does she know about the NBA? She played in the WNBA” or made assumptions based on my background. But being an athlete has prepared me to be real and authentic. In media, there’s often pressure to chase viral moments, but my approach has always been grounded in substance. Early in my career, I’d leave games, run across LA Live, and go straight to the ESPN studio. My teammates would say, “Hey, can you explain this?” I became their advocate, making sure athletes’ perspectives were represented fairly. The best part is seeing how people’s perceptions have changed. Those who used to say, “I don’t watch the WNBA” or “I don’t know that player,” are now some of the biggest supporters.
They tell me, “You stand on business, you speak facts, and you’re authentic.” That’s been the most rewarding part.
Women’s basketball is growing faster than ever. Have you seen a shift?
The growth has been exponential—it’s honestly wild. I never imagined this moment would come so soon. We all worked toward it—those of us in the WNBA, the OGs who paved the way—but to experience it in real time has been surreal.
I always thought I’d contribute as a player, but now I get to tell these stories as a broadcaster. Women’s basketball is being pushed forward by both trailblazers and superstars, and it’s an honor to be part of shaping its future.
Beyond basketball, you’ve been doing major advocacy work. Can you tell us about the Queens of the Continent Foundation and your role with the White House?
I never planned to go into broadcasting, and I definitely never thought I’d be working with the White House. But I’ve always been passionate about identity—being a Nigerian-American woman, an athlete, and an advocate. Queens of the Continent is about investing in young African girls in sports and education. When I traveled to Nigeria, I saw that all the major basketball development programs focused on boys first. That didn’t sit right with me. So I flipped the script with a mission to prioritize girls first, creating real opportunities in basketball and beyond.
As for working at the White House, it’s been surreal. I was nominated by the NBA and became the youngest woman selected to serve on the President’s Advisory Council, working on initiatives that impact youth across Africa. We’ve traveled to Côte d’Ivoire for AFCON, Nigeria for the first-ever joint Junior NBA and WNBA camp, and most recently to Angola with President Biden. I’ll never forget meeting President Biden—he walked up to me and said, “I know exactly who you are. I’m a huge women’s basketball fan.”
That moment reminded me that representation matters and that the work we’re doing is making a real impact.
You recently made history at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game by being announced as the first-ever female Basketball Africa League Ambassador. Tell us about this incredible partnership.
Yes, it was just announced that I am the first woman to be named a Basketball Africa League ambassador. It’s something I’m incredibly excited about. I’ll get to work directly with the league to push forward initiatives that matter. One of the key things I’m focusing on is promoting their girls programs in partnership with my foundation, Queens of the Continent. They’ve already launched some great initiatives, but now I get to help amplify them and bring in strategic investment. This is about real, equitable opportunities for women within the NBA and Basketball Africa League. So it’s a full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
What’s your best advice for young women looking up to you?
It’s so corny, but what makes you, YOU, is your superpower. Lean into it. Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s easy to look at what other people are doing and think we should replicate that to be successful ourselves. But you’re the only you on this planet. Find what makes you different, work your butt off, and lean into it. And something my dad always says: “Every disappointment is a blessing if you allow it to be.” My injuries forced me to pivot, but that pivot led me to a career that’s transformed my life. So embrace the setback, because they might be setting you up for something bigger.
From breaking barriers in broadcasting to paving the way for the next generation, Chiney Ogwumike isn’t just making history—she’s shaping the future. As she takes on her new role with the Basketball Africa League, one thing is certain: there’s so much more in store.
This interview has been edited for brevity.