As the WNBA Finals tip off on October 3, the Dallas Wings are already looking ahead, focusing on building for the future.
Dallas finished the season 10-34, missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and fired head coach Chris Koclanes after one season. However, Paige Bueckers’ swift transition to the league and electrifying rookie season were the bright spots for this franchise this season.
On October 1, ESPN released their “WNBA offseason 2025: Guides for every team,” which provides insight on each team’s top front office priority, biggest offseason question, and the state of their roster. For the Wings, it may be time to decide who to build around.
“Build the team around Bueckers, a franchise-changing player who has adjusted quickly to the pro game,” ESPN’s Michael Voepel wrote.
The Face of the Franchise
While the Wings’ season didn’t translate to success, the team will have a decision on its hands with free agency looming. Dallas will need to decide if they are going to build around Bueckers with or without Arike Ogunbowale.
Ogunbowale, who will be a free agent in 2026, played 29 games this season. She averaged a career low 15.5 points and shot a low 30.4% from three. Throughout the season, she struggled to remain on the floor due to a nagging knee injury.
Bueckers and Ogunbowale showed flashes of a strong backcourt, but the team struggled with consistency, injuries, and roster turnover. Outside of the two guards, Maddy Siegrist, Amy Okonkwo, and DiJonai Carrington (traded to Minnesota), were the only players who averaged more than ten points a game.
Despite Ogunbowale’s offensive prowess and commitment to the organization, ESPN’s Voepel thinks it may be time to part ways. “Ogunbowale will turn 29 in March, so she is still in her prime and may decide to see what the rest of the league has to offer,” Voepel said.
“The Wings may be ready to totally reconstruct around Bueckers,” he also added.
Ogunbowale was selected No. 5 overall in the 2019 draft by the Wings. She has been the face of the franchise since being drafted.
The four-time All-Star has struggled with injury throughout her career. She has played under four different coaches since she arrived in Texas.
Dallas Current Roster
If the 2026 season started tomorrow, the Wings roster will feature a second-year Bueckers, Aziaha James, and JJ Quinerly. Not to mention, Siegrist and Diamond Miller will have an option for their fourth year.
Dallas owns draft picks in the first and third rounds for the 2026 draft. Grace Berger (reserved), Tyasha Harris (unrestricted), Myisha Hines-Allen (unrestricted), Haley Jones (reserved), Ogunbowale (unrestricted), and Li Yueru (reserved) will be free agents come 2026.
If the Wings were to move on from Ogunbowale, they would have a clear direction to go building around Bueckers.
This season, Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 47.7% from the floor. She played 36 games this season, averaging 33.3 minutes per game.
Dallas will need to be strategic with any future roster moves with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire set to begin play in 2026. Both teams will host an expansion draft where they will be able to draft players who were not protected.
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