Paige Bueckers was officially welcomed to Dallas on Monday afternoon with a special gift from Mayor Eric Johnson and City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. The former UConn star unwrapped a 10-gallon cowboy hat, a nod to the city’s culture, and put it on for a photo with her fellow draftees from the 2025 WNBA draft.
This event marks a fresh start for the Dallas Wings, a team looking to rebuild after years of struggles. General Manager Curt Miller described the occasion as a “momentum-building moment” for the franchise. The Wings have faced challenges in attracting top talent in the past, with several star players leaving the team. However, with Bueckers now on board, there is renewed hope for the future.
Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, despite earlier concerns that she might not want to play for Dallas. Miller expressed confidence that she would join the team, noting that both Bueckers and the Wings maintained open communication during her final season at UConn, where she focused on winning a national championship.
At the press conference, Bueckers shared her excitement about the Wings’ new direction and their plans to become a winning organization. She emphasized the importance of building a positive culture within the team, where players enjoy being together both on and off the court.
The Wings currently play at College Park Center in Arlington but plan to move to downtown Dallas next year. They will play at a newly renovated arena and will open a state-of-the-art performance facility worth at least $54 million. This move is part of the team’s effort to enhance its appeal and create a more attractive environment for players.
Miller has built a roster that combines seasoned veterans with promising rookies, including Bueckers, Aziaha James, and Madison Scott. He is eager to see how these new pieces come together. Bueckers, known for her charisma and talent, is expected to be a key player for the Wings as they aim for a successful season.
The Wings’ leadership is focused on creating a player-first environment to attract future talent. Bueckers echoed this sentiment, stating that fostering a strong team culture is essential for success. Both the team and its new star are optimistic about the future, hoping to turn the franchise into a destination for top players in the league.