Dallas Wings Bolster Roster with Key Free Agent Signings

Franchise star Arike Ogunbowale re-signs, team adds defensive anchor Alanna Smith and versatile forward Jessica Shepard

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:14pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, emerald green, and crimson red, capturing the dynamic energy and balance of the Dallas Wings' revamped roster.The Dallas Wings' offseason roster overhaul blends veteran star power with emerging young talent, creating a dynamic new identity for the franchise.Dallas Today

The Dallas Wings were busy in free agency, re-signing star guard Arike Ogunbowale to a multi-year deal and adding key free agents Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard. The moves help reshape the team's identity, pairing Ogunbowale's offensive firepower with Smith's defensive prowess to create a more balanced roster that also features rising talent Paige Bueckers.

Why it matters

The Wings' free agency haul represents a pivotal offseason for the franchise, as they look to build a contender around Ogunbowale while also developing young talent. The additions of Smith and Shepard address the team's defensive shortcomings from last season and provide complementary skills to Ogunbowale's scoring ability.

The details

The Wings re-signed Ogunbowale, their franchise star, to a multi-year, seven-figure deal, keeping one of the league's most dynamic scorers in Dallas. They also brought back Awak Kuier, a high-upside developmental piece selected 2nd overall in 2021. In free agency, the Wings signed Alanna Smith to a three-year max contract, adding the reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year to anchor their defense. They also added versatile forward Jessica Shepard, who can rebound, facilitate, and complement Smith's defensive strengths.

  • The free agency moves were completed on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Arike Ogunbowale

The franchise star of the Dallas Wings, Ogunbowale is one of the league's most dynamic scorers. She averaged 15.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the 2025 season.

Awak Kuier

A high-upside developmental piece selected 2nd overall by the Wings in the 2021 WNBA Draft. She has continued to improve her game while playing in Turkey, leading the EuroLeague in blocks and finishing second in double-doubles.

Alanna Smith

The reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Smith is a defensive anchor who can protect the rim, switch across positions, and alter shots. She averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game in 2025.

Jessica Shepard

A versatile forward who can rebound, facilitate, and complement Smith's defensive strengths. Over five seasons in Minnesota, Shepard has averaged 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 53.5% from the field.

Paige Bueckers

A rising star expected to have an increased impact for the Wings next season after showing promise as a rookie.

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What they’re saying

“We are so excited that Arike has chosen to return to Dallas and build upon her great legacy here. We understand the unique opportunity we have in being able to welcome back our franchise's all-time leading scorer, and we are so grateful for Arike's loyalty to the Dallas Wings. Her commitment to the Wings and City of Dallas is undeniable, and we are looking forward to building this team with her veteran leadership at the forefront.”

— Curt Miller, Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager

“Recruiting Awak back to Dallas and the WNBA was a huge priority for our staff during this offseason. Awak's game has continued to grow since last playing in the WNBA. She impacts the game at both ends of the court. Offensively, she can score at all three levels, while defensively, she impacts the game with her length and athleticism. We are truly excited about Awak's return to Dallas.”

— Curt Miller, Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager

“Alanna Smith was our top target going into free agency after her outstanding 2025 season. As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball.”

— Curt Miller, Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager

“The Wings are ecstatic about the signing of Jessica Shepard to a multi-year deal. She was a priority for us in free agency because of her versatility offensively.”

— Curt Miller, Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager

What’s next

The Wings will look to integrate their new additions and build chemistry ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, with the goal of becoming a contender in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Dallas Wings have made a concerted effort to reshape their roster this offseason, pairing their franchise star Arike Ogunbowale with defensive stalwart Alanna Smith and versatile forward Jessica Shepard. These moves, combined with the continued development of young talent like Paige Bueckers, position the Wings as a team on the rise in the WNBA.