Arike Ogunbowale is one of the WNBA’s finest talents, a true ambassador of the game, and one of the many athletes of Nigerian descent in American sports.
She is also one of the stars participating in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a new women’s 3×3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart
In this piece, we look at the rise of Arike Ogunbowale, her career, achievements, and more.
Who is Arike Ogunbowale?
Arike Ogunbowale (born March 2, 1997, age 28) is a point guard for the Dallas Wings in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Her college days with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were marked by incredible success. In 2018, she led her team to a national championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors along the way. Who can forget her thrilling game-winning baskets in both the semi-final and championship games?
The Dallas Wings drafted Ogunbowale with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft. Since then, she’s continued to impress, earning WNBA All-Star MVP honors twice, in 2021 and 2024.
Arike Ogunbowale: Early life
Arike Ogunbowale’s heritage is deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, courtesy of her parents, Yolanda and Gregory Ogunbowale, who welcomed her into the world in Milwaukee, USA.
As the youngest of three children, Arike’s name, which means “a child you treasure, cherish, pamper, and love” in the Yoruba language, reflects the love and adoration she received from her family.
Growing up, Arike was surrounded by athletic excellence. Her father, a former member of the Nigerian military, instilled discipline and determination, while her mother, Yolanda, showcased her sporting prowess as a softball player at DePaul University.
Arike’s brother, Dare, followed in their mother’s footsteps, playing football at the University of Wisconsin and later becoming a running back for the Houston Texans. She also shares a familial bond with basketball player Diamond Stone, her cousin.
Arike Ogunbowale began her own athletic journey during her formative years. From 2009 to 2012, she was an integral part of four Division One Wisconsin State High School Champions soccer teams. Before that, she attended Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where she demonstrated her basketball prowess.
In her final year, she led the Our Redeemer girls’ team to a national championship at the 2011 Tournament of Champions, sponsored by the Lutheran Basketball Association of America.
Her outstanding performance earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
High school & College career
Arike Ogunbowale was a talented high school athlete who excelled in both basketball and soccer. However, she eventually decided to focus on basketball, which led her to Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (DSHA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DSHA was a renowned school with a strong athletic program, and Ogunbowale’s achievements there earned her a place in the school’s Hall of Fame in 2021.
During her time at DSHA, the team won the Wisconsin state championship in 2015, with Ogunbowale averaging an impressive 27.2 points per game. She had a standout performance in the semi-finals, scoring 55 points against an undefeated team.
Ogunbowale’s accomplishments earned her numerous awards. She was named the 2015 Wisconsin Miss Basketball and selected as a McDonald’s High School All-American. She went on to play college basketball at the University of Notre Dame, where she had a successful career.
As a freshman, Ogunbowale averaged 11.4 points per game, and she became a regular starter in her sophomore year. She played a key role in Notre Dame’s 2018 NCAA championship win, making game-winning shots in the semi-finals and final.
In her final season at Notre Dame, Ogunbowale helped the team reach the NCAA final again. Although she scored 31 points in the final game, Notre Dame lost by a single point to Baylor. Despite the disappointing end to her college career, Ogunbowale’s achievements had already cemented her status as one of the top young players in the country.
Arike Ogunbowale: WNBA Career
Arike Ogunbowale’s WNBA career took off in 2019 when she was drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Wings. She quickly made a name for herself, averaging 19.1 points per game in her rookie season and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
Ogunbowale’s success continued in the following years. In 2021, she was named the WNBA All-Star Game MVP after scoring 26 points in a game against Team USA. She repeated this feat in 2024, scoring a record-breaking 34 points and earning her second All-Star Game MVP title.
In addition to her All-Star Game performances, Ogunbowale has consistently been one of the top scorers in the league. In May 2023, she was named the WNBA’s Western Conference Player of the Month after averaging 26.7 points per game. She also led the Dallas Wings to several key victories, including a 90-77 win over the Mercury in June 2023, where she scored a season-high 35 points.
Arike Ogunbowale shines on and off the court
Ogunbowale’s impact extends beyond the court. She has been involved in various marketing campaigns, including several State Farm ads in 2023. Her parents have also praised the WNBA’s efforts to increase visibility, allowing more fans to watch her games.
Despite suffering an oblique injury in 2022, Ogunbowale has continued to thrive. She has become a cornerstone of the Dallas Wings, leading the team to several victories and earning recognition as one of the top players in the league.
Her participation in events like Dancing with the Stars reveals her versatility and charisma, extending her appeal beyond basketball.
Arike Ogunbowale: Networth
As of December 2024, Arike’s impressive accomplishments and growing profile have contributed to an estimated net worth of around $4 million, according to Buzzlearn.
This estimate not only reflects her financial success but also highlights her emerging prominence in the sport.
Personal life
Ogunbowale, 27, announced her engagement to her girlfriend Lala Ronay as she posted a sweet video of her proposal to Instagram on Sunday, May 19.
“4EVER💍🖤🌹,” the Dallas Wings player captioned the clip, shared in a joint post with her new fiancée.
Ronay first appeared shocked in the video as she stepped outside with Ogunbowale at night and saw their friends and family gathered in a garden.
Ogunbowale shared another video on her Instagram Stories after the proposal of her holding her new fiancée’s hand in the car as she filmed the diamond ring.
Arike Ogunbowale: Social Media
Stay connected with Arike Ogunbowale on social media! She’s active on various platforms, sharing updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging with fans.
You can find her on X (formerly Twitter) at @Arike_O, where she shares her thoughts, insights, and experiences. She’s also on Instagram at @arike_ogunbowale, where she posts photos, stories, and updates from her life on and off the court.
For a more in-depth look at Arike’s life, career, and passions, be sure to visit her official website at thearikeogunbowale.com
