An attorney for WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale has entered a plea of not guilty regarding a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an incident in Miami last month. According to Miami-Dade court records filed on Wednesday, April 8, the plea was submitted through her attorney, Jeffrey Neiman.

Ogunbowale, 29, was arrested at 4:22 a.m. on March 5, just hours after leading her team, Mist BC, to the Unrivaled league championship. The Dallas Wings standout was released after posting a $1,000 bond.

According to the arrest report, a responding officer was working an extra duty detail at the nightclub E11EVAN Miami when security personnel flagged him down. A victim at the scene told police he was attempting to escort Ogunbowale out of the venue due to an "unrelated altercation" when she allegedly punched him in the face with a closed fist, causing him to fall. While the police report confirms the account was supported by security camera footage, it remains unclear if the victim was a member of the club's security staff. Ogunbowale was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

The legal development comes at a pivotal time for the shooting guard, who is currently an unrestricted free agent. Her free agency coincides with a transformative period for the WNBA following the ratification of a landmark collective bargaining agreement that has significantly altered the league's financial landscape.

Ogunbowale has established herself as one of the most prolific scorers in professional basketball since leading Notre Dame to a national title in 2018. During her seven-year tenure in Dallas, she has averaged 19.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Her resume includes a 2020 scoring title, leading the league in steals in 2024, and two WNBA All-Star Game MVP awards.

No further court dates or hearings have been scheduled at this time.