'There Was Never a Doubt': Paige Bueckers Fully Commits to Dallas Wings Rebuild Ahead of WNBA Debut

Curt Miller was named executive vice president and general manager in late 2024 as part of that overhaul. He quickly hired Chris Koclanes—his former assistant with the Connecticut Sun and USC—as the team’s new head coach. Known for his defensive structure and developmental approach, Koclanes brings a clear identity to the bench.

Miller’s impact was immediate. He orchestrated a four-team trade in February 2025 that sent former All-Star Satou Sabally to Phoenix and brought back DiJonai Carrington, Tyasha Harris, NaLyssa Smith, and draft assets. Those moves helped reshape a roster now headlined by Bueckers, longtime star Arike Ogunbowale, and returning center Teaira McCowan.

Through it all, Ogunbowale has remained the constant. Drafted in 2019, she’s weathered years of roster turnover and front-office shifts while remaining publicly loyal to the franchise. After watching Bueckers lead UConn to a national title in April, she tweeted: “Can’t wait for the draft. Wings y’all know what to do.” When Bueckers declared for the WNBA, Ogunbowale playfully added, “i thought the plan was to travel the world & make tik toks?!”

In contrast to stars like Liz Cambage, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, and Marina Mabrey—all of whom eventually requested trades from Dallas—Ogunbowale has never looked elsewhere. Wings CEO Greg Bibb told Front Office Sports that despite having the league tenure to explore free agency, “She has never once considered it.”

Now, the franchise is pairing her with a playmaker who arrives with UConn’s winning pedigree and a clear understanding of what it means to be the centerpiece of a rebuild.

“To be able to start new and build this new foundation this year with an amazing team, amazing coaching staff, and amazing people throughout the organization — it’s been a great feeling,” Bueckers said.

She also spoke at length about the team’s investment in infrastructure. Dallas is building a $54 million practice facility and will move into a newly renovated downtown arena by 2026. Both projects are publicly funded, with the city contributing $19 million to ensure the Wings remain downtown for at least 15 years. The new arena is expected to seat between 8,500 and 9,000—up from the current 6,251-seat College Park Center in Arlington.

“Yeah. The new practice facility [is] next year. The new arena [is] after that,” Bueckers told 105.3 The Fan. “Like I said before — just a whole lot of new. And we know how important recovery, having the right equipment, the right resources, the right people, and running that practice facility and new arena, how important that is to draw free agents, build success, and build a longevity of continued success. People wanting to be here and be in the city and play here — it’s extremely important. And the growth in women’s sports — to have our own practice facilities, our own arenas, our own love and support — it’s been really cool to see.”

Those upgrades come as fan demand continues to climb. Dallas has sold out its season ticket inventory for two straight years and will move its June 27 game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever to the 20,000-seat American Airlines Center.

As first reported by Front Office Sports, the Wings’ franchise valuation reached $208 million following the sale of minority stakes to Jed Kaplan and Randy Eisenman. Despite finishing near the bottom of the WNBA in raw attendance in 2024, the team played to 95% capacity in Arlington and continues to position itself as a growth leader in women’s sports.

With Bueckers officially on board and fully committed to the team’s vision, the Wings embrace a fresh identity built around continuity, investment, and belief.

“This is a team that wants to build something real,” she said. “And I’m here for that.”

Bueckers, who averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game for the UConn Huskies last season, has earned rave reviews from Wings training camp. Her competitiveness has brought a significant spark to the team as she gains frequent reps as the starting point guard. She finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist against the Las Vegas Aces in her preseason debut.

Bueckers will debut her WNBA regular season on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.