Chiney Ogwumike Creating WNBA-Inspired TV Series For Peacock
Chiney Ogwumike Creating WNBA-Inspired Comedy Series For Peacock
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ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike is developing a comedy television series inspired by the WNBA for Peacock.
According to reports, the WNBA will soon have its first scripted television series. The W is a new series slated for the Peacock streaming series, which is being developed by two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN basketball analyst Chiney Ogwumike, along with Carly Mensch and Liz Flahive, two of the showrunners of the GLOW comedy/drama Netflix series. Ogwumike is developing the series through her Victorious production company in collaboration with Condé Nast’s Glamour Studios and Universal Television.
The W is set to be a half-hour show, focusing on a star rookie in the WNBA and her inexperienced agent navigating the whirlwind landscape of women’s professional basketball. It will be loosely based on Ogwumike’s personal basketball journey, from being drafted by the Connecticut Sun as the first pick in 2014. The forward would be represented by Alison Galer, who had no experience at the time. The two are still business partners to this day. Ogwumike —sister to WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike— would join the Los Angeles Sparks via trade in 2019. She joined ESPN in 2018, parlaying her experience into her current role as an in-studio analyst for NBA Today and being the first Black woman radio host for the network in 2020.
“Our mission with Victorious is to build a future where women in sports can win big,” said Ogwumike in a press release. “One of the most invaluable lessons that I have learned as a professional athlete, broadcaster, and ambassador is that we no longer have to wait for opportunities, we can create them. We are in an era where barriers are being broken, ceilings are being shattered and the world is finally taking notice. And with our groundbreaking first project, we will bring the main topic to the mainstream. In that spirit, Victorious is a purpose-driven platform that will forge new pathways for us to celebrate our own wins.”
The W will be executively produced by Ogwumike, Galer, Flahive, Mensch, along with Helen Estabrook, Lajoie St. George, and Jodi Hildebrand. “Glamour has a longstanding history of championing, spotlighting, and honoring female athletes,” said Glamour’s Global Editorial Director Samantha Barry. “With more eyes focused on the world of women’s sports than ever before, we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with WNBA icon, Chiney Ogwumike, who has paved the way for herself and others in the industry.”
In other WNBA news, see the response from Angel Reese threatening to strike over the league’s forthcoming CBA below.
