Dallas Wings Aim High with Angel Reese Addition

Rookie star's arrival could reshape Wings' offense and playoff hopes

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues, greens, and reds, capturing the intensity and movement of a WNBA basketball game in an abstract, cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic action and energy of a WNBA game, reflecting the Wings' hopes for a playoff return with their new star addition.Dallas Today

The Dallas Wings are entering the 2026 WNBA season with heightened expectations after adding former LSU standout Angel Reese to their roster. Reese's elite rebounding, interior scoring, and physical presence could significantly improve the Wings' offense and defense, complementing the perimeter skills of All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale and rookie point guard Hannah Hidalgo. The Wings are hoping Reese's arrival, along with continued development from their young core, will help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Why it matters

The Wings finished the 2025 season with a 16-24 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. However, they showed signs of improvement in the second half, suggesting the addition of Reese could elevate both ends of the floor and propel the team back into postseason contention in a highly competitive Western Conference.

The details

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a rookie with the Chicago Sky, showcasing her ability to score efficiently in the paint and draw fouls. Her arrival in Dallas gives the Wings a true low-post option to complement Ogunbowale's perimeter shooting and Hidalgo's playmaking. Wings head coach Vickie Johnson emphasized Reese's fit, stating, 'She's a competitor who impacts the game without needing the ball in her hands every possession. Her energy, toughness, and ability to finish around the rim elevate everyone else on the floor.'

  • The Wings will open the regular season on May 15, 2026, against the Atlanta Dream.
  • Reese's performance in training camp and preseason has been encouraging, with the rookie averaging a double-double while shooting over 55% from the field in intra-squad scrimmages.

The players

Angel Reese

A former standout at LSU, Reese signed with the Dallas Wings in free agency after a standout rookie season with the Chicago Sky, where she averaged 13.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

Arike Ogunbowale

The Wings' All-Star guard, who averaged 22.3 points per game last season, the fifth-highest in the league.

Hannah Hidalgo

The Wings' rookie point guard, who is expected to play a key role in the team's offense alongside Reese and Ogunbowale.

Vickie Johnson

The head coach of the Dallas Wings, who has emphasized Reese's fit and impact on the team's overall performance.

Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever's star rookie, whose health and availability could impact the broader competitive landscape in the Western Conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She's a competitor who impacts the game without needing the ball in her hands every possession. Her energy, toughness, and ability to finish around the rim elevate everyone else on the floor.”

— Vickie Johnson, Head Coach, Dallas Wings

What’s next

The Wings will open the regular season on May 15, 2026, against the Atlanta Dream at College Park Center, a game that will offer early insights into how Reese integrates into Dallas's system and whether the team's offensive flow has improved.

The takeaway

The addition of Angel Reese represents a clear step forward for the Dallas Wings, as they aim to rebuild their identity and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Her impact will be measured not only in points and rebounds but in how she elevates the play of those around her—and whether that lift is enough to carry the Wings back into the postseason in a highly competitive Western Conference.