Notre Dame women’s basketball shares Arike Ogunbowale message before Wings star’s return

The WNBA has made a point to schedule more preseason games at college campuses in recent years. It’s a shift players like Ogunbowale say makes a difference.

“It’s special,” she said. “I think when you graduate you don’t really think you’re ever going to be able to come back and play in front of the fans and just in that environment. So the fact that they’re doing that for us and doing it in the preseason … is special.”

The 28-year-old is one of the most decorated players in Notre Dame women’s basketball history. She led the Fighting Irish to the 2018 national title and is best known for her back-to-back buzzer-beaters in the Final Four and championship games. Her No. 24 jersey remains iconic in South Bend, and on Friday, fans may see it in both Fighting Irish green and Wings blue.

Arike Ogunbowale and the Wings are preparing to bounce back from a tough 2024 season, where they struggled to meet expectations. With the Notre Dame legend leading the charge, and the addition of Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the team hopes to return to playoff contention in 2025.

The Wings and Aces will tip off Friday at 7 p.m. ET in the Purcell Pavilion. The game is part of the WNBA’s preseason series spotlighting matchups at college venues.