Arike Ogunbowale

Bio

Selected fifth overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Ogunbowale quickly found her groove in the league as a smooth-scoring guard whose competitiveness is inspired by her idol Kobe Bryant. Donning number 24 in honor of Bryant, Ogunbowale was selected for four straight All-Star games from 2021 to 2024 and was named the All-Star MVP in both 2021 and 2024, breaking the record in 2024 for the most points scored in a WNBA All-Star Game. Ogunbowale has only continued to elevate her game each year since she entered the league and was recently recognized for doing so after being awarded All WNBA Second Team honors for the 2024 season. Never shy of the spotlight or taking the big shot, Arike Ogunbowale has demonstrated her uncanny ability to come through in clutch situations throughout her collegiate and professional basketball career. She became a household name after securing a national title for Notre Dame with back-to-back legacy-defining, game-clinching baskets during the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four in the semi-final and championship.

Arike’s success has not been limited to the confines of the basketball court. Always interested in fashion and design, she recently collaborated with Nike to design a unique Women’s GT Cut 2 basketball shoe color scheme that pays tribute to her hometown of Milwaukee, the close-knit community that influenced her growth, and the loving family that supported her journey. She has also worked as a TIAA ambassador working to address gender retirement inequality. During her off seasons, Ogunbowale organizes her own camp in Milwaukee and actively engages with NBA Africa. She has received recognition for her contributions beyond her on-court achievements, earning the WNBA Community Assist Award in both 2021 and 2023. Arike embraces challenges, chases new opportunities, and continues to make an impact by utilizing her embracing and infectious personality to connect with fans and engage with off-the-court endeavors.

Accolades

• 4x WNBA All-Star (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• 2x WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2021, 2024)
• 2x WNBA Community Assist Award Winner
• NCAA National Champion (2018)
• NCAA Tournament MOP (2018)