Culturess
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Chiney Ogwumike is beginning her new career era

By Rebecca Mills

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Chiney Ogwumike #13 of the Los Angeles Sparks talks to media ahead of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Chiney Ogwumike #13 of the Los Angeles Sparks talks to media ahead of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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A lot of athletes look to a career in broadcasting after retiring. However, Chiney Ogwumike is doing it all.

While we know a lot of former NFL players who have become broadcasters, Chiney Ogwumike is a special case. Not only is she currently an active WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks but she also works for ESPN.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll realize how popular this is becoming. In looking at a recent example, Chase Daniel had to leave the game he had just played to get to his other job as a member of the NFL Network team. It’s frankly astounding to think about but not surprising.

With Chiney Ogwumike getting an extension with ESPN, it proves just how much her hard work is paying off.

Chiney Ogwumike’s recent career change isn’t going unnoticed.

Before getting into anything else, let’s outline what the deal is and what Ogwumike does when she’s not working for ESPN. As previously mentioned, she currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks as a power forward. While the WNBA doesn’t get nearly enough respect, it’s clear Ogwumike is planning ahead for the future.

In addition to her WNBA career, she also does a lot at ESPN. She first joined in 2018 and has worked as a basketball analyst, has her own radio show, and eventually joined the series, NBA Today. With her new deal, Ogwumike is also going to be calling NBA games in addition to her other duties.

Chiney Ogwumike is a testament that women in sports can really do it all. Women in sports are generally looked down on but she’s taking that belief and shoving it. It’s clear Ogwumike has the knowledge, experience, and talent to back it up. Having her call NBA games is just the natural step in her progression as both a player and an analyst.

Additionally, it’s clear she’s planning for the future. A lot of players don’t have that same mentality and believe they’ll play for as long as their bodies will let them. Regardless, Chiney Ogwumike is looking forward to the future and what she can do past the WNBA. It’s not always an easy road, but it’s something to consider.

Plus with her playing the league and also talking about it, it does bring up some interesting topics and insights we as viewers might not realize. Even when she does eventually retire from the league, it’ll be interesting to see how that plays into her analyst and general discussions within the network.

Either way, I’m excited for this chapter for Chiney Ogwumike and for the other women in sports like her. There are a lot of women in sports and it’s time they get the same recognition as their male counterparts. Chiney Ogwumike’s deal is just the tip of the iceberg so hopefully, we’ll see other networks monopolize the talented ladies they have.

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