Dallas Wings Cut Roster to 12 Players Before 2025 WNBA Season

The Dallas Wings waived forward Joyner Holmes on Tuesday as the team continues finalizing its 12-player roster ahead of the 2025 WNBA season opener. Holmes, a Dallas native and University of Texas product, was signed to a training camp contract earlier this year following her stint with the Seattle Storm in 2024.

Holmes appeared in 27 games for the Storm last season, averaging 2.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. Originally selected 19th overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft, the 27-year-old has played for five different teams and brought veteran presence and versatility to the Wings’ training camp.

Like all WNBA teams, the move comes as the Wings work to comply with the league’s 12-player roster cap. While the league expanded to 13 franchises this year with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, total roster spots remain limited to just 156 league-wide. As a result, the final days of training camp have seen a wave of veteran and rookie cuts across the league. Dallas is now down to 12 players after this latest move.

Roster Tightening for Dallas Wings

Holmes was one of several notable players released by the Wings recently, including No. 14 overall draft pick Madison Scott and Japanese national team standout Mai Yamamoto. Head coach Chris Koclanes acknowledged the difficulty of making final decisions in one of the league’s most competitive camps.

“It’s hard,” Koclanes said. “These last cuts aren’t going to be easy. Lots of conversations with our GM group about what the roster’s going to look like and what players nine through 12 can add and bring to our culture in such a foundational year. You balance the on-court with some of the intangibles and look at it holistically.”

Holmes entered camp with international experience and a strong showing overseas. She most recently played for Athinaikos in Greece, averaging 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Her blend of size, agility, and experience offered value on both ends of the court, even amid fierce competition for minutes.

Though waived, Holmes remains a candidate to land with another WNBA team seeking veteran frontcourt depth. If not, she may look overseas again, where she has already built a strong résumé.

Dallas Faces May 15 Roster Deadline

The Wings must submit their final roster to the league by May 15. After missing the playoffs last season, Dallas has undergone a significant overhaul, retaining only a few core players while adding talent through the draft and free agency. Rookies like Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly have impressed in camp.

The Wings open their 2025 season on May 16 at home against the Minnesota Lynx. The backcourt will be led by veteran All-Star Arike Ogunbowale and No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, while DiJonai Carrington headlines the team’s unit.

The Wings will finalize and announce their opening-day roster before tipping off the regular season on Friday night. Holmes hopes her next stop—whether in the WNBA or overseas—will offer a more permanent home.