Dallas Wings Aim to Build Momentum Amid 2026 Season Ups and Downs

The 2026 WNBA season opened under a new collective bargaining agreement that reshaped salary structures and free-agency rules. A highly touted rookie class entered the league, highlighted by Dallas Wings’ top pick Azzi Fudd, Minnesota’s Olivia Miles and Washington’s Lauren Betts.

USA Today

In a home game on Sunday night, the Wings used a third-quarter surge to defeat the Connecticut Sun 83-63. After a sluggish start, Dallas executed a 20-2 run that turned a nine-point advantage into a 27-point lead (72-45). Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale each had 15 points, and Fudd added 12 off the bench, shooting 4-for-5 from three. Diamond Miller posted a season-high 22 for the Sun, who are 1-13 without Brittney Griner. The win snapped a two-game skid, moving Dallas to a 19-11 record and tying them for the fifth-best record in the league, fourth in the West.

ESPNESPNMystics vs. Wings final score: Austin’s 28 leads Washington to 81-75 win NBC 5 - Dallas - Fort Worth - KXAS

Four days later, the Wings fell 81-75 at CareFirst Arena. Shakira Austin led Washington with 28 points and 10 rebounds; Kiki Iriafen added 22. Dallas’ top scorer was Paige Bueckers with 23 points, and Ogunbowale contributed 14 of her 20 in the first half. Washington closed the game by making all ten free throws in the final stretch. The loss extended Dallas’ slump to three defeats in four games.

ESPNMystics vs. Wings final score: Austin’s 28 leads Washington to 81-75 win ESPNNBC 5 - Dallas - Fort Worth - KXAS

Dallas returns to Washington the following Wednesday and then faces a schedule in which six of the next seven opponents have winning records—including Golden State, Minnesota and Indiana—before a final stretch against sub-.500 teams. A 20th win would mark the franchise’s first 20-victory season since 2023 and clarify its playoff positioning. The next home game is against the Sun, with a rematch at Washington later in the week.

NBC 5 - Dallas - Fort Worth - KXAS

• Season record: 19-11 overall, 10-6 on the road.

NBC 5 - Dallas - Fort Worth - KXAS

• Shooting vs. Connecticut: 48 % FG; 7-of-18 3-pt.

ESPN

• Key performances: Azzi Fudd – 12 points (4-of-5 3-pt); Paige Bueckers – 23 points vs. Washington; Shakira Austin – 28 points, 10 rebounds.

Mystics vs. Wings final score: Austin’s 28 leads Washington to 81-75 win

• Team trends: Wings have lost three of their last four games; Mystics have won four straight.

NBC 5 - Dallas - Fort Worth - KXAS

Analysts note the Wings’ mixed results reflect the adjustment period for teams integrating multiple rookies under the new CBA. The upcoming stretch against strong opponents will test depth and determine if Dallas can secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference and solidify its postseason berth.

NBC 5 - Dallas - Fort Worth - KXAS