After finishing the 2025 season at the bottom of the WNBA, the Dallas Wings flipped the script this year, emerging as a playoff team with the largest turnaround in the league’s history.
This season, they improved their record by 17 wins compared to the previous year, going from 10-34 to 27-17. This dramatic transformation wasn’t due to one factor, but a combination of changes.
The Wings needed to surround their star, Paige Bueckers, with the right support. From coaching changes to free agency signings, they did exactly that.
Jose Fernandez Replaced Koclanes and Led a Historic Turnaround
Chris Koclanes coached the Wings in 2025. It was his first WNBA head coaching job after serving as an assistant at USC.
Koclanes could only lead the team to 10 wins despite having first overall pick Paige Bueckers and acquiring Dijonai Carrington and Nalyssa Smith via trade in the offseason.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the Wings parted ways with Koclanes. General Manager Curt Miller explained the decision in a statement released by the team, saying “As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization.”
They soon announced Jose Fernandez as the new head coach. Fernandez spent 25 years leading the University of South Florida women’s basketball team. Miller described him as “one of the most respected veteran coaches in women’s basketball” and that “he is a proven winner and has built sustained success over two decades.”
And in his first season, Fernandez led the Wings to the most wins in franchise history.
Azzi Fudd Became a Defensive Weapon Nobody Expected
For the second year in a row, Dallas secured the first overall pick in the WNBA draft. In 2025, they selected Paige Bueckers out of UConn, and in 2026 they picked her former college teammate Azzi Fudd.
The 5-foot-11 shooting guard entered the season known as an efficient scorer and proven threat from the 3-point line, finishing her senior year scoring 17.3 points per game, shooting 44.7% from three.
Despite previously being praised for her ability to shoot, she actually emerged as a crucial piece for the Dallas defense. After a late win against Chicago, coach Jose Fernandez praised Fudd’s impact, saying “Her size and her defensive pressure really changes things.”
Fudd’s season ended short due to having to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on her right knee, causing her to miss the playoffs. She finished her rookie year averaging 13.1 points and 1.7 steals.
Shepard, Smith, and Clark Gave Dallas the Depth It Lacked
Dallas made some exciting signings in the 2025-26 off-season, most notably 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Alanna Smith. The year turned out to be a disappointing one for Smith due to multiple injuries, but the signing demonstrated Dallas’ willingness to bring in high-level talent.
Smith’s injury woes meant Jessica Shepard, another offseason signing, became one of Dallas’ main stars. After previously coming off the bench for the Lynx, Shepard blossomed into an All-Star for the Wings. She recorded a league-high six triple-doubles and went on to win the Most Improved Player award.
The veteran presence of Alysha Clark was vital in mentoring Dallas’ young core. Some questioned signing a 39-year-old, but Clark’s impact spoke for itself. She scored 21 points in an elimination game against the Valkyries, showing up for the team when it mattered most.
Kuier and Ogunbowale Brought Size and Experience Back
The second pick of the 2021 draft, Awak Kuier, returned to Dallas after spending two years playing overseas. Her 6-foot-6 frame provided much-needed defensive stability. She finished third in the league in total blocks, giving the Wings a reliable defensive presence as they made their push to the playoffs.
The Wings re-signed guard Arike Ogunbowale ahead of the 2026 season. She offered veteran experience to Dallas’ youthful backcourt, and despite posting career-low scoring numbers, she provided a spark with her ability to create her own shot in crucial moments.
Notably, in Game 2 against the Valkyries, Ogunbowale broke the WNBA playoff record for points in a game with 45 points, including a tough game-tying three in the final moments of regulation.
The Wings Went From Last Place to Playoff Contender in One Year
The Wings’ playoff run ended in the first round, falling 1-2 to the second-seeded Valkyries. But losing as a seven seed to a team that went on to sweep the Aces and reach the Finals is nothing to be ashamed of.
Combined with the new-look backcourt of Bueckers and Fudd and the emergence of Shepard, the Wings went from the bottom of the standings to a genuine playoff contender in 12 months. The 27-17 record speaks for itself, and this roster is only getting started.
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