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Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Wins Sparks 98-97, Highlights WNBA Growth

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nneka Ogwumike hit a three-pointer with 0.9 seconds left to give the Sparks a 98-97 win over the New York Liberty on June 22, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena.
Ogwumike said the moment was emotional and showed league’s growth to 15 teams, a $7 million cap and a $3.1 billion TV deal since 1997.
That week, Kiki Iriafen’s 20 points lifted the Washington Mystics over the Liberty 86-83, ending a ten-game losing streak to New York.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1996 and launching in 1997 with eight teams, the WNBA secured early national broadcasts on NBC and later received NBA subsidies of $10–$15 million annually. A 2024 media-rights agreement now provides $200 million per year, supporting expansion to 15 teams and a $7 million salary cap, paving the way for stars like Nneka Ogwumike with the Los Angeles Sparks.

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Story summary

Nneka Ogwumike hit a three-pointer with 0.9 seconds left to give the Sparks a 98-97 win over the New York Liberty on June 22, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena.
Ogwumike said the moment was emotional and showed league’s growth to 15 teams, a $7 million cap and a $3.1 billion TV deal since 1997.
That week, Kiki Iriafen’s 20 points lifted the Washington Mystics over the Liberty 86-83, ending a ten-game losing streak to New York.

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