Wings Sign Alanna Smith to 3-Year Max Contract

The Dallas Wings land one of the top free agents in the WNBA, adding Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to their young core.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:57am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in navy, green, and orange, conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.The Dallas Wings' signing of Alanna Smith adds an elite defensive anchor to their young, dynamic roster.Chicago Today

The Dallas Wings have agreed to a max contract with free agent Alanna Smith, securing one of the top players on the open market. Smith, the 2023 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, joins a promising Wings roster that includes star guard Arike Ogunbowale and incoming No. 1 overall draft pick Paige Bueckers.

Why it matters

The Wings' signing of Alanna Smith is a major coup, as they add an elite defensive presence to complement their offensive firepower. Smith's rim protection and versatility will make the Wings a formidable team in the Western Conference, as they look to build on last season's playoff appearance.

The details

After bouncing around the league early in her career, Smith found a home with the Minnesota Lynx last season and had a breakout campaign. She averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Wings were able to lure Smith away from the Lynx with a lucrative max contract, solidifying their frontcourt for the next three seasons.

  • Alanna Smith agreed to the contract with the Wings on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Smith is coming off a standout 2023 season with the Minnesota Lynx.

The players

Alanna Smith

A 26-year-old power forward who was named the 2023 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year after a standout season with the Minnesota Lynx.

Arike Ogunbowale

The star guard for the Dallas Wings, who recently re-signed with the team on a lucrative contract.

Paige Bueckers

The incoming No. 1 overall draft pick for the Dallas Wings, who will join the team's young core alongside Ogunbowale and Smith.

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What they’re saying

“Alanna Smith is one of the best two-way players in the league, and we're thrilled to add her to our roster. Her defensive presence and versatility will be a huge boost as we look to take the next step as a franchise.”

— Greg Bibb, President and CEO, Dallas Wings

What’s next

The Wings will look to integrate Smith into their lineup alongside Ogunbowale and Bueckers, as they aim to build a championship contender in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Wings' signing of Alanna Smith is a major statement of intent, as they assemble a young, talented roster capable of competing for a WNBA title in the coming years. Smith's defensive prowess and two-way impact will be a crucial addition to the team's core.