• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 19, 2025

Paige Bueckers Dispels Doubts, Praises Dallas Wings Organization

Paige Bueckers spoke positively about the organization during a press conference Thursday.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Months before the WNBA draft, reports surfaced that Paige Bueckers may try to avoid playing for the Dallas Wings, who secured the No. 1 pick in November

The belief was that Bueckers, a fifth-year player at UConn and the consensus No. 1 pick, may pull an Eli Manning–type move to try to start with an established team in the WNBA. The Wings are one of five “independent” WNBA teams, meaning their ownership does not also own another major professional sports team in the same city.

The Wings play in College Park Center in Arlington, which has a capacity of 7,000, one of the league’s smallest, and their franchise has yet to win a championship since moving from Detroit in 2010 (first to Tulsa, then to Texas in 2016).

It’s been nearly a month since the Wings drafted (and kept) Bueckers, and on Thursday, the rookie guard spoke positively about her first few weeks with the organization.

“They have all the resources that you need to be successful, especially recovery, [which] is important going from season to season. And then just having resources off the court as well, like pilates and a sports psych,” Bueckers said at a press conference.

Bueckers also highlighted how she’s enjoyed the community she’s building within the organization.

“Coach Chris [Koclanes] talked about how finding success is important, but you want to find great people first. I think they’ve done a great job from top to bottom, finding great people who are easy to work with, easy to work for,” Bueckers said.

In the weeks leading up to the draft, it appeared the Wings were poised to select Bueckers amid all the noise. The organization was pushing to change the perception that it cannot provide the young star with the same resources that she could receive from other teams.

“When I look at things now, I really feel like there’s this false narrative around Dallas,” Wings CEO and managing partner Greg Bibb told Front Office Sports a week before the draft.

The Wings are set to play their home games at the Dallas Memorial Arena starting next season after agreeing to a 15-year, $19 million agreement in 2024. The arena can seat nearly 10,000, but perhaps more importantly, allows them to play in downtown Dallas. They are also expected to have a new state-of-the-art practice facility ready by next year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Jon Ledecky

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.
Dave Checketts

Ex-Knicks President: When David Stern Accused Me of Skirting Cap

The Knicks walked away clean when accused of cap circumvention in the 1990s.
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of an NBA basketball and backyard and NBA logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Tries to Solve Fragmentation Issue It Helped Create

A new “Tap to Watch” feature will direct fans to live games.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance, balancing science, taste, and the demands of professional football.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:
October 9, 2025

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
October 13, 2025

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Bucks
October 7, 2025

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.