Arike Ogunbowale, the fearless guard of the Dallas Wings, is one of the most dynamic scorers in the WNBA today. Born on March 2, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she shot to fame for her iconic buzzer-beaters that clinched the 2018 NCAA title for Notre Dame. A four-time All-Star and two-time MVP, Arike is known for her grit, scoring instinct, and 1v1 dominance.
Despite battling a thumb injury in 2025, she made a heroic return, proving once again why she’s a fan favorite. This is the inspiring journey of Arike—from Milwaukee’s courts to WNBA glory.
Arike Ogunbowale Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Arike Ogunbowale |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Hometown | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Current Residence | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Instagram ID | @arike_ogunbowale |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Measurement |
| Height | 5’8” (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Early Life
Arike Ogunbowale was born into a proud Nigerian-American family in Milwaukee, where her name means “a child you treasure” in Yoruba. Her athleticism surfaced early—she won four state soccer titles before even entering high school. At Our Redeemer Lutheran, she led the girls’ basketball team to a national championship and took home MVP honors.
By the time she reached Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Arike was a local legend, averaging 27.2 PPG and delivering the 2015 WIAA Division I state title. Raised in a supportive and sporty household, Arike’s hustle and heart were shaped by Milwaukee’s competitive spirit.
Education
| Level | Institution |
| High School | Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Milwaukee |
| College | University of Notre Dame (B.S. in Marketing, 2015–2019) |
At Notre Dame, Arike was more than just a student—she was a national hero. She hit back-to-back buzzer-beaters in the 2018 NCAA tournament to win the championship, cementing her place in college basketball history. She graduated with a degree in Marketing and a legacy few can match.
Family Details
| Relation | Name |
| Mother | Yolanda Ogunbowale |
| Father | Gregory Ogunbowale |
| Siblings | Dare Ogunbowale (NFL), Mario Ogunbowale |
| Partner | Engaged to Lala Ronay (2024) |
Raised in a tight-knit Nigerian household, Arike drew inspiration from her mother, a former softball player, and her father, a veteran of the Nigerian Army. Her brother Dare plays in the NFL, and the family remains closely bonded. In May 2024, she got engaged to Lala Ronay.
Career
Drafted 5th overall in 2019 by the Dallas Wings, Arike Ogunbowale immediately made waves. She averaged 19.1 points as a rookie and became the WNBA scoring leader in 2020 with 22.8 PPG. Her fearless shooting and lockdown mentality earned her All-Star MVPs in 2021 and 2024.
In 2025, Arike battled a thumb injury that forced her to miss several games. Still, she bounced back to average 16.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals, showcasing her resilience and leadership. She also participated in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, reaching the 1v1 semi-finals.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Year |
| NCAA Champion (Notre Dame) | 2018 |
| WNBA Draft | 5th overall by Dallas Wings (2019) |
| WNBA All-Star Game MVP | 2021, 2024 |
| WNBA Scoring Leader | 2020 (22.8 PPG) |
Net Worth
| Category | Info |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–$2 million |
| Income Sources | WNBA salary, endorsements, Unrivaled league |
As of 2025, Arike Ogunbowale earns a reported $249,032 from the Dallas Wings, with additional income from endorsements and Unrivaled. Though private about her personal assets, she maintains a growing brand and strong online presence.
Controversies
- Social Media Outburst (2023): Arike drew criticism for tweeting angrily about officiating in a Dallas Wings loss.
- Trade Rumors (2025): Speculation of a trade surfaced after a poor team start; however, GM Curt Miller dismissed the reports.
Recent Updates
- July 13, 2025 – Returned to Dallas Wings’ lineup vs. Indiana Fever after a thumb injury. (Source)
- July 11, 2025 – Missed three games due to injury; Paige Bueckers took lead scoring duties.
- June 24, 2025 – Scored 21 points in win over Atlanta Dream, leading a third-quarter surge.
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