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Dallas Wings Waive Mai Yamamoto and Madison Scott as Roster Decisions Narrow

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 11, 2025 6:15 PM ET

The Dallas Wings have waived Mai Yamamoto and Madison Scott, the team announced Sunday, as the franchise continues to shape its final roster ahead of the 2025 WNBA season.

Yamamoto, a veteran of Japan’s national team, joined the Wings for training camp after competing with the Toyota Antelopes in the preseason. Known for her speed and quick decision-making as a lead guard, Yamamoto was unable to crack a crowded backcourt rotation.

Scott, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is a versatile wing with strong rebounding instincts and defensive upside. She was viewed as a potential depth piece on the wing, but roster constraints and positional overlap led to her release.

The Wings previously waived center Aaronette Vonleh on May 7. Vonleh, the 31st overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was a standout at Baylor but couldn’t carve out a consistent role behind a frontcourt led by Teaira McCowan, Myisha Hines-Allen, and NaLyssa Smith.

Dallas also released Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Mackenzie Forbes earlier this month following the team’s preseason opener. As it stands, the Wings have 13 players on the roster.

Head coach Chris Koclanes acknowledged the challenge of cutting down the roster in a foundational year for the franchise.

“It’s hard. These last cuts aren’t going to be easy,” Koclanes said after Monday’s practice. “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.”

The Wings are required to finalize their 12-player opening day roster by May 15. Dallas will open the regular season on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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