Wait, did you feel that? The energy in Dallas is shifting. It’s not just the humidity or the traffic on I-35. It’s the fact that the Dallas Wings next game isn't just another date on the calendar—it is a total hard reset for a franchise that has been through the wringer. If you followed the 2025 season, you know it was rough. Like, 10-34 kind of rough. But 2026? This is different. We are talking about a new arena, a new coach, and a once-in-a-generation talent likely joining the roster.
The Wings are officially moving into the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Memorial Arena. Honestly, it’s about time. While Arlington was a decent home, there’s something about being in the heart of downtown Dallas that just feels right. This historic venue, which once hosted The Beatles and Elvis, is getting a massive glow-up to become the high-tech hub for WNBA basketball.
When Is the Dallas Wings Next Game?
Everyone is asking the same thing: when do we actually get to see this new-look team? As of mid-January 2026, the WNBA is still finalizing the exact dates for the regular season, typically releasing the full 40-game slate in late January or early February.
However, we know the drill. Training camps usually kick off in late April, with preseason games following shortly after. The official home opener in Dallas is expected to be one of the most ticketed events in the league’s history. Why? Because the Wings won the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery.
They have the #1 pick. And everyone knows who that pick is going to be.
Paige Bueckers.
The UConn star is the projected top selection for the draft on April 13, 2026. If you haven't seen her play, you’re missing out on a basketball savant. Watching her pair up with Arike Ogunbowale? That’s going to be offensive fireworks every single night.
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What the New Coaching Staff Means for the Schedule
It’s not just about the players. The Wings made a massive splash by hiring Jose Fernandez as the new head coach. If the name sounds familiar, it should. He spent 25 years building a powerhouse at the University of South Florida.
Fernandez is known for grit. He’s known for international recruiting. Most importantly, he’s known for winning.
When the Dallas Wings next game finally tips off, don't expect the same defensive lapses we saw last year. Fernandez is a tactician. He’s spent the offseason basically living in the film room, trying to figure out how to maximize a roster that has a ton of height with players like 6'7" Li Yueru and 6'4" Luisa Geiselsöder, but lacked a cohesive identity last season.
The Arena Factor: A New Era in Downtown Dallas
Let's talk about the move. The 15-year, $19 million agreement to play at the Dallas Memorial Arena is a game-changer. This isn't just a change of scenery; it's a statement.
- Accessibility: Being downtown means easier access for a whole new segment of fans.
- Atmosphere: The "Big D" vibe is going to be electric.
- Training Facilities: The deal includes upgrades that give these athletes world-class resources.
Honestly, the Arlington days were fine, but the Wings have outgrown that space. Ticket sales were already up over 200% last year, even when the team was struggling. Now that they are a winning threat again? Good luck finding a cheap seat.
Key Matchups to Circle
While the official schedule is pending, we can already guess which games are going to be "red dot" events on your calendar.
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- The Indiana Fever Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers (presumably). This is the matchup the entire world wants to see. When the Fever come to town for the Dallas Wings next game in that series, the ticket prices will likely rival the NBA Finals.
- The Golden State Valkyries: The new kids on the block. Expansion teams always bring a weird, chaotic energy, and Dallas will want to assert dominance early.
- The Las Vegas Aces: If you want to see where the Wings truly stand, you watch them play the Aces. It’s the ultimate litmus test for Fernandez’s new defensive schemes.
How to Get Tickets and Watch
If you aren't one of the lucky few with season tickets—which, by the way, have been selling out faster than ever—you'll need to be ready.
Most games will be broadcast through the league's new media rights deals with Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video. Locally, expect to see a lot of action on ION. But nothing beats being there in person.
The team has been pretty vocal about the fact that they want the "new" Memorial Arena to be the loudest venue in the WNBA. With the way Dallas fans show up for the Mavs and the Stars, there's no reason to think the Wings won't have that same home-court advantage.
Realistic Expectations for 2026
Look, I’m an expert, but I’m also a realist. You don't go from 10 wins to a championship overnight.
Actually, in the WNBA, sometimes you do if you land the right #1 pick.
The Wings have a young core. Maddy Siegrist showed serious flashes of being a walking bucket last year. Satou Sabally's health is always the "X factor"—if she’s 100%, she’s an MVP candidate. Period.
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The biggest challenge for Coach Fernandez will be chemistry. You’ve got a lot of high-usage players. Arike needs the ball. Paige (presumably) needs the ball. Managing those egos and shot attempts is where Fernandez will earn his paycheck.
Actionable Steps for Wings Fans
Stop waiting for the season to start and get your ducks in a row now.
Secure your spot on the waitlist. If you want to attend the Dallas Wings next game at the new arena, do not wait for the schedule to drop. The team already has a massive backlog of fans looking for season tickets and "partial packs."
Download the WNBA App. It sounds basic, but it’s the only way to get real-time alerts the second the schedule is finalized. You’ll want to be the first to know when the Fever and the Aces are coming to town so you can snag those individual tickets before the resellers get them.
Follow the Draft. The WNBA Draft on April 13 is effectively "Game 0" for the Wings. It’s where the rebuild becomes a reality. Tune in to see how the front office surrounds their new superstar with the right pieces.
Check the Merch. New arena usually means new "City Edition" gear. Keep an eye on the official team store for the 2026 drop. The Dallas Memorial Arena era is going to have its own aesthetic, and you’ll want to be repping the new look on opening night.
The 2026 season isn't just a continuation of the franchise. It's a rebirth. Between the #1 pick, the new coach, and the downtown move, the Dallas Wings next game is the beginning of what could be a multi-year dynasty in the making. Be there from the start.