Dallas Wings

It comes after a disappointing 2025 season for the Dallas Wings and hiring of a new head coach. The team announced the hiring of former South Florida coach Jose Fernandez this week, replacing Chris Kochlanes after just one season with the Wings.

Jose Fernandez, the longtime women's basketball coach at the University of South Florida, is set to take over as coach of the WNBA's Dallas Wings, a person familiar with the hire told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The Dallas Wings have fired coach Chris Koclanes after going 10-34 in his only season. That was with rookie star Paige Bueckers, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year after being selected No. 1 overall in the draft.

Bueckers received 70 of the 72 votes from sportswriters and broadcasters in balloting announced by the league on Tuesday. The other two went to Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron.

The deadline for collective bargaining is the end of October. Players are demanding more money to match the WNBA's success.

Bueckers sank 17 of 21 shots, including 4 of 4 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 at the free-throw line to become the first player in league history with 40-plus points on 80% shooting from the floor.

The Dallas City Council approved the land at Joey Georgusis Park to be the site of the WNBA team's new practice facility.

The city of Dallas entered a 15-year agreement with WNBA last year. The Dallas Wings are expected to move into the future facility by spring of 2026.

The team may need time to gel with No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, new head coach Chris Koclanes and other returning players.

Bueckers’ first start with the team comes amid a slew of shakeups for the Wings.

Monday's WNBA Draft to the Dallas Wings is the latest jewel in the crown of Bueckers, the 6-foot guard who barely a week ago led her UConn Huskies to their first national championship in a decade.

The team has a new coach and retooled roster heading into April’s draft.