The Dallas Wings are standing at a crossroads that could significantly shape their future, especially concerning the potential movement of star player Arike Ogunbowale during free agency. But here's where it gets controversial—what the team decides about their draft pick and how that intertwines with Ogunbowale’s next steps could change everything. With the WNBA’s free agency timeline uncertain due to ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, teams are still planning ahead for the 2026 season, which adds an extra layer of complexity.
One of the most anticipated decisions involves the Wings holding the first overall pick in the upcoming April 13th draft. This draft is scheduled even if free agency hasn’t officially begun, and it could have major repercussions for Ogunbowale, who is about to become a free agent. Considering that the team’s first pick might be used on a top prospect, the question arises: will Ogunbowale stay with the Wings if they choose a future star instead of re-signing her?
This year’s draft class is particularly intriguing because it lacks the household names like Paige Bueckers or Caitlin Clark that dominated recent years. Instead, the focus is on three main contenders for the first pick: Azzi Fudd from UConn, Lauren Betts from UCLA, and Awa Fam from Spain. These players offer very different profiles and potential impacts on the team.
Fam and Betts are both centers, yet they differ greatly. Fam is a younger athlete with impressive athleticism and a lot of untapped potential—she might have a higher ceiling but less proven experience. Betts, on the other hand, has established herself as a force in college basketball, but her ceiling might not be as high as Fam’s. Fudd, however, stands out as an exceptional wing and sharpshooter. Last year, she led all of women’s college basketball with a 43.6% shooting percentage from three, and this year she’s improved even further to an astonishing 48.2% on more attempts.
Adding an interesting dynamic to the decision is Fudd’s prior connection with Paige Bueckers, a Wings star. The two played together at UConn, winning a national championship last season, and have since been publicly dating. Their existing chemistry could make Fudd a natural fit for Dallas—yet, her addition might spell the end for Ogunbowale, especially if the team aims to prioritize youth or specific positional needs, as suggested by EJ Arocho of Let’s Fantasy Game and PGH.
If Dallas opts for Azzi Fudd at number one, it seems unlikely that Ogunbowale would stay, especially with the team potentially building a backcourt around Fudd and Bueckers. This scenario raises a big question: should Dallas prioritize fitting Fudd alongside Bueckers, given Ogunbowale’s weaker shooting on catch-and-shoot opportunities? For context, Ogunbowale had one of her toughest seasons in the WNBA this past year, which some attribute to coaching issues under Chris Koclanes. It’s also possible that her style just doesn’t mesh perfectly with Bueckers’ game, which relies heavily on spacing and ball-handling.
The possibility of Ogunbowale moving on sparks a discussion about her future: could an expansion team or a different market be a better fit for her dynamic scoring abilities? Her fearless, clutch performances are exactly what many teams are looking for, and a fresh start could benefit her career.
So, what do you think—should the Wings stick with their current plan, or is drafting a pure shooter like Fudd the better move for the team’s long-term success? Is it worth risking losing a star like Ogunbowale for the potential upside of a rookie? Join the conversation below and share your thoughts on how a draft choice today could shape the future of the Wings—and Ogunbowale’s career—for years to come.
