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

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.