• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 29, 2025

ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike on Her Post-WNBA Second Act: ‘I Still Have to Pinch Myself’

The former WNBA player is in the second phase of her career, finding success in her many pursuits off the court. She speaks to FOS in advance of the launch of Second Acts Live.

Brooklyn, NY - June 25, 2025 - Barclays Center: Chiney Ogwumike on the set of NBA Today during round one of the 2025 NBA Draft
Allen Kee/ESPN Images

Chiney Ogwumike is always thinking about what’s next. She has quickly planted a flag as an ESPN star following a phenomenal career in the WNBA. “I’m no stranger to second acts,” she tells Front Office Sports. “After finishing my playing career, I jumped right into new frontiers, specifically around storytelling.”

Part of her new chapter, she says, is listening to other voices to forge a growth path. She’s committed to amplifying the journeys of other pros who’ve reached the summit in their own second acts. 

She will be doing a lot of listening as the host of Second Acts Live. The franchise, a collaboration between FOS and Tony Award–winning Folk Productions, will bring together major names in sports to chronicle their stories of personal transformation and business success in an immersive in-person interview series.

Ogwumike will chat with guests, including Michael Vick, Sue Bird, and Adrian Wojnarowski, with more influential names to come.

“We all have second acts,” Ogwumike says, “and with this platform, we will share stories about resilience, reinvention, and the importance of sports in helping people embrace life’s challenges.”

FOS spoke to Ogwumike about her own second act and how she’s looking toward the future.

Front Office Sports: What unexpected challenges or adventures have come with broadcasting and exploring off-court roles? Has your athletic background and on-court success prepared you for your broadcasting and off-court career?

Chiney Ogwumike: When I started broadcasting, as a young WNBA player in a male-dominated industry, my biggest challenge was finding and trusting my voice, along with understanding that authenticity is key. My greatest adventure has been the many assignments I have had at ESPN, from hosting SportsCenter Africa and ESPN Radio, to working the NBA Finals and NCAA women’s tournament. My athletic career has taught me how to fall in love with the process of learning how to get better each and every day. Similar to basketball, being versatile and positionless is one of the most valuable skills. Broadcasting is also a team sport. Everyone is key, from our camera operators and graphics designers to our audio techs and producers.

FOS: Who have been your influences or mentors when it comes to your second act? Are there those who you take inspiration from or aspire to emulate?

CO: Lisa Leslie has been a huge mentor for me, both on and off the court. She is a Hall of Famer, broadcaster, businesswoman, mother, sister. And she operates every space she is in with elegance and grace. I am grateful for her friendship. I also am inspired by Robin Roberts, who has used the platform of sports to break glass ceilings and show that we can all be game-changers in pivotal spaces. 

FOS: How do you define success off the court? 

CO: Impact. When I came into the WNBA, I believed that success was measured by titles such as All-Star, champion, MVP. But now, success to me is all about impact. How can I help make the game better for the rising generation? How can I inspire those coming after me to dream big? How can I use my platform to highlight a perspective that truly needs the spotlight? This is what motivates me each and every day.

FOS: As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, what has it meant to you to be the first female ambassador for the Basketball Africa League?

CO: It means the world to be the first female ambassador of BAL. Look no further than the story of Khaman Maluach. Africa’s greatest resource is our people, who are full of tremendous talent and limitless potential. Nothing makes me happier than bridging the gap and creating winning opportunities for the next generation, especially for those in the diaspora.

FOS: It was just announced that you’re the co-creator and producer of The W, the first-ever scripted WNBA comedy series coming to Peacock. What can you tell us about that project and what can we expect?

CO: I still have to pinch myself that this is real. There is no greater platform than entertainment to showcase the historic moment we are in with women’s basketball. My production company, Victorious, aims to redefine what it means to win, and this show will bring a unique perspective that will hopefully shift the narrative forward for women in sport! 

FOS: What’s exciting to you about Second Acts Live?

CO: I am excited that Second Acts Live centers itself on sports, humanizing the legends of the game so that everyone understands that there is greatness within them. It will allow us to feel emboldened to embrace every pivot that life throws at you. I hope the series evolves even beyond sports, because sports operate at the intersection of industry, culture, and community. It brings everyone from all walks of life together. Hosting has become one of my new favorite roles as a broadcaster, and Second Acts Live has helped me fulfill my dream of doing so with a live audience.

Find out more about Second Acts Live and how to join Chiney Ogwumike at an event.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Fever Star Aliyah Boston Poised To Land NBC/Peacock Deal

The WNBA star is finalizing a deal to call women’s college basketball.

MLB National TV Ratings Rise by Double Digits in 2025

The league posts audience increases across national and local television.
exclusive

Cheryl Reeve’s Suspension Puts Spotlight on WNBA’s Officiating Woes 

The WNBA faces growing scrutiny as coaches question the officiating and lack of consistency.
Emily Kaplan ESPN
exclusive

ESPN Reimagines Emily Kaplan’s NHL TV Role

Emily Kaplan will migrate from sideline reporter to NHL studio insider.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
September 17, 2025

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
September 19, 2025

Fever Upset of Dream Brings Ratings Boost to WNBA Semis

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.