There’s a certain edge to Arike Ogunbowale’s game — a mix of fire and finesse that makes her one of the most compelling guards. In Dallas Wings, she’s not just a player; she’s a spark every night.
But her path to this spotlight wasn’t a straight line. It’s been built through defining moments, late-game heroics and the kind of grit that turns potential into legacy, one bucket at a time.
Still, the story of her stretches beyond the hardwood. It’s a tale of family, personal growth, and an unwavering pursuit of greatness that keeps her evolving WNBA season after season…
How old is Arike Ogunbowale?
Arike Ogunbowale was born on March 2, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—making her 28 years old in the summer of 2025. Now in her seventh WNBA season with the Dallas Wings, he blends veteran savvy with competitive urgency each night.
Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on July 22, 2025. (Source: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
How tall is Arike Ogunbowale?
Standing at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) and weighing around 165 lb, Arike Ogunbowale doesn’t stand out for her height—but she more than makes up for it in physicality, toughness and frame. Her wingspan and strength allow her to finish through contact and defend bigger opponents seamlessly.
Arike Ogunbowale’s love life and family
Arike is the youngest child of Gregory and Yolanda Ogunbowale, raised in an athletic family—her mother played college softball at DePaul, and her brother Dare is a running back for the Houston Texans in the NFL.
In May 2024, she surprised fans by proposing to Lala Ronay, a lifestyle content creator, marking a heartfelt personal milestone she shared on Instagram. Her family’s competitive backbone—rooted in Nigerian-American determination and sibling support—remains the fuel behind her resilience on and off the court.
What is Arike Ogunbowale’s jersey number?
Arike Ogunbowale proudly wears No. 24 for the Dallas Wings, a choice rooted in both a childhood decision and deep symbolism. Early in her AAU days, the number was available when her favorite, Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 was not. Fatefully, he later made 24 his own, giving Ogunbowale a personal connection she holds close.
Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings gestures after scoring against the Washington Mystics during the first half at Carefirst Arena on June 22, 2025. (Source: Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
That number has since become more than a digit—it’s a personal tribute and emblem. She continued with 24 through college at Notre Dame and into the WNBA, turning it into a symbol of aspiration and resilience, rooted in admiration for a player she studied growing up.
Arike Ogunbowale’s career highlights
- WNBA Scoring Leader (2020): In just her second season, she won the WNBA scoring title, averaging 22.8 PPG and earning the league’s Peak Performer Award. She had four 30-plus point games, including a career-high 39 against the Mystics.
- Franchise All-Time Scoring Leader: On September 12, 2024, she surpassed Deeanna “Tweety” Nolan’s mark of 3,971 to become the Dallas Wings’ all-time leading scorer in just six seasons.
- Fastest to 4,000 Career Points in WNBA History: She reached 4,000 career points in just 195 games—the fastest in league history—breaking Breanna Stewart’s previous record.
- Multiple All-Star Appearances & MVP Honors: A four-time WNBA All-Star, she was named All-Star Game MVP in 2021 and again in 2024, dropping a record-setting 34 points—all in the second half—to lead Team WNBA over Team USA.
- College Legend at Notre Dame: Her back‑to‑back buzzer‑beaters in the 2018 NCAA Final Four and championship game earned Notre Dame its first title in 17 years and Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.
