Chiney Ogwumike is taking an exciting leap forward in the realm of entertainment by creating a groundbreaking female-focused production company called Victorious, and she’s betting big on the growing momentum of women’s sports. Having transitioned from a celebrated WNBA career to her role as a prominent ESPN TV analyst, Ogwumike is uniquely positioned to amplify the narratives and perspectives of women athletes, an area that has historically been overlooked in scripted entertainment.
Her company’s inaugural project, a scripted comedy series titled *The W*, is not just another show; it aims to shine a light on the vibrant world of the WNBA. Collaborating with dynamic storytellers Carly Mensch and Liz Flahive, known for crafting the hit Netflix series *Glow*, Ogwumike and her partner Allison Galer are on a mission to weave humor and heart into the experiences of women in sports. In a recent phone interview, Ogwumike shared her vision, stating, “We have not seen the women’s point of view,” signaling her intent to fill that gap with authenticity and depth.
Ogwumike draws inspiration from iconic films like Penny Marshall’s 1992 classic *A League of Their Own*, which captured the spirit of women in sports and opened doors for women-led narratives. “We’re going to see a modern rendition,” she indicated enthusiastically. Her aim with *The W* is to showcase not only the struggles and successes of the league and its players but also the camaraderie and relentless drive that characterizes women athletes today.
The premise of *The W* will subtly reflect the strong relationship between Ogwumike and Galer, who has been her agent since she was drafted first overall out of Stanford in 2014. This personal touch is crucial; after all, storytelling is most powerful when it stems from lived experiences. Joining them as executive producers for this project are notable figures from Conde Nast’s Glamour Studios, ensuring a wealth of creative talent guiding the series. Moreover, with NBCUniversal’s Peacock backing the production, it underscores the growing recognition and investment in women’s sports, especially given NBCUniversal’s commitment to airing WNBA games as part of a broader $2.2 billion media rights agreement.
Navigating this industry can be complex, especially with an influx of athlete-led production firms competing for studio attention amid a reduction in entertainment productions following last year’s strikes. Yet, Ogwumike is undeterred, buoyed by what she calls the “unparalleled interest” in female-centered projects like *The W*. Victorious isn’t content with just one show; Ogwumike is gearing up to unveil a slate of projects across television, film, and audio, showcasing the diverse talents and stories of women in sports.
Her accomplishments don’t just end there; last year, Ogwumike re-signed with ESPN, making headlines as the first Black woman to host a national daily sports radio show. With a strong background in documentary filmmaking, she played a pivotal role in ESPN’s *144* documentary, which chronicled the unprecedented 2020 WNBA season that took place in a highly controlled bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Emmy-nominated project was not only a major career milestone but also a valuable learning experience, prompting Ogwumike to reflect on the importance of recognizing the value creators bring to their projects. “Not only did we not get what we felt like we deserved, but people looked to us after accomplishing that and acknowledged that we know the stories that matter,” she noted, highlighting the need for greater equity in representation and opportunity.
Alongside her sister, Nneka Ogwumike, president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, Ogwumike and Galer are drawing from their experiences to pave new paths in an industry ripe for change. “This was our first time selling a scripted show, and we got it,” Ogwumike proudly shared. Their success feels extraordinary, much like hitting a home run during a very first time at-bat—a testament to their resilience and passion.
In a world increasingly hungry for authentic stories, Ogwumike is not just standing on the sidelines; she is taking the lead, pushing forward with Victorious and forging a new future for storytelling in women’s sports. Each step is not merely an ambition but a movement—one that promises to resonate far beyond the screen, empowering the next generation of women athletes and creators to share their own incredible stories.
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