Arike Ogunbowale

Arike Ogunbowale Bio

Arike Ogunbowale is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Wings of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Mist of Unrivaled. She played college basketball for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, before being drafted by the Wings with the fifth overall pick of the 2019 WNBA draft. She was the Most Outstanding Player of Notre Dame’s 2018 national title run, hitting game-winning baskets in both the semi-final and championship game. Arike Ogunbowale was named WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2021 and 2024.

Early Life and Background

Arike Ogunbowale was born on March 2, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Yolanda Block Ogunbowale and Gregory Ogunbowale, a Nigerian expat. She is the youngest of three children and is of Yoruba descent. Her name, “Arike,” translates to “a child you treasure, cherish, pamper, and love” in the Yoruba language. Her father served in the Nigerian military, while her mother played softball at DePaul University. Arike’s brother, Dare Ogunbowale, is a professional football player for the Houston Texans, and she is also a cousin of basketball player Diamond Stone. From 2009 to 2012, Ogunbowale was part of four Division One Wisconsin State High School Champions soccer teams.
Ogunbowale attended Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where she helped the girls’ basketball team win the national championship at the 2011 Tournament of Champions. She was named the MVP of the tournament. In high school, she played as a soccer forward but decided to focus on basketball after developing a passion for the sport.

Path to Basketball

Arike Ogunbowale played high school basketball at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a school known for its success in various sports. During the 2014–2015 season, she led her team to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division I title, averaging an impressive 27.2 points per game. Ogunbowale scored 55 points in a semi-final game against an undefeated team. She was ranked ninth in the world, named 2015 Wisconsin Miss Basketball, and was a McDonald’s High School All-America selection.
After high school, Ogunbowale attended the University of Notre Dame, where she averaged 11.4 points per game in her freshman season as a reserve player. She became a regular starter in her sophomore year and played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Irish win the 2018 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament. She made game-winning baskets in both the semifinal against UConn and the final against Mississippi State. Her performance earned her the title of Atlantic Coast Conference Female Athlete of the Year for 2018.

Arike Ogunbowale Career

Early Career (2019–Present)

Arike Ogunbowale entered the WNBA in 2019 when she was selected as the fifth overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings. During her rookie season, she was third in the league in scoring, averaging 19.1 points per game, and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Ogunbowale’s breakout performance came during the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game, where she was named the MVP after scoring 26 points in a victory against Team USA.
In May 2023, Ogunbowale was named the WNBA’s Western Conference Player of the Month, showcasing her scoring prowess and helping the Dallas Wings achieve a strong start to the season. She continued to excel, leading her team to significant victories, including a season-high of 35 points in a game against the Phoenix Mercury.

Breakthrough (2021–2024)

Ogunbowale’s breakthrough moment came during the 2021 season when she was named the WNBA All-Star Game MVP. Her performance solidified her status as one of the league’s top players. She continued to impress in subsequent seasons, earning multiple All-Star selections and accolades, including the WNBA scoring champion title in 2020.
In 2024, Ogunbowale again showcased her skills at the All-Star Game, setting a record by scoring 34 points, further establishing her legacy in the league.

Notable Works and Milestones

Arike Ogunbowale’s signature achievements include being a four-time WNBA All-Star and a two-time All-Star Game MVP. She has also been recognized as the WNBA scoring champion and has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including selections to the All-WNBA teams.

Arike Ogunbowale Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Arike Ogunbowale has received several nominations for prestigious awards, recognizing her outstanding performances on the court.

Arike Ogunbowale Awards Won

Arike Ogunbowale has won multiple awards, including the WNBA All-Rookie Team selection in 2019 and four WNBA All-Star selections from 2021 to 2024. She has also been named the WNBA All-Star Game MVP twice, in 2021 and 2024.

Arike Ogunbowale Family

Arike Ogunbowale is engaged to Lala Ronay. She has a close-knit family, including her parents, Yolanda Block Ogunbowale and Gregory Ogunbowale, and her older brother, Dare Ogunbowale, who is a professional football player.

Personal Life

In April 2018, Ogunbowale participated in season 26 of Dancing with the Stars, where she was partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko. The couple was eliminated from the competition, finishing in seventh place. On May 19, 2024, Arike announced her engagement to Lala Ronay, marking a significant milestone in her personal life.