The 2025 season ended on a high note with the Las Vegas Aces reclaiming the title after missing out on the same last season. While the ‘Sin City’ fans rejoice in the championship triumph, there are a few teams that failed to live up to the expectations, like the Dallas Wings, who had generational talent – Paige Bueckers on its roster.
The player lived up to the hype as Bueckers won the Rookie of the Year award with a considerable margin. But the team’s 10-34 record outshone her performance as ESPN analyzes the 2026 WNBA season and ranks them at the bottom in their power rankings.
Paige Bueckers Couldn’t Save The Dallas Wings’ Season
PB won the NCAA Championship before entering the WNBA. She entered the league with high expectations as the side finished 11th in the 2024 season, and many expected her to get them to the playoffs in the 2025 season. However, with the rocky start, the team’s struggles persisted, ultimately placing them even lower in the league standings by the end of the season.
As for the rookie, Bueckers matched Caitlin Clark’s historic rookie season, but the team couldn’t provide her enough support to compete for the playoffs. As soon as the season ended, ESPN insider Michael Voepel conducted power rankings for the 2026 season. He placed the Wings at 12th position, a place above the Chicago Sky.
“Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers led the Wings, and she’s a great player to build around. They have a chance to get another No. 1 pick in 2026 and will have a new coach after Chris Koclanes was let go after just one season. This franchise is not a magnet for free agents, to be sure,” Voepel wrote, explaining his analysis.
BREAKING: ESPN has released its way-too-early WNBA power rankings for the 2026 season:
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) October 11, 2025
1. Las Vegas
2. Phoenix
3. Atlanta
4. Minnesota
5. Indiana
6. New York
7. Golden State
8. Los Angeles
9. Seattle
10. Connecticut
11. Washington
12. Dallas
13. Chicago
*Toronto and Portland… pic.twitter.com/lqePh48alM
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While the power rankings are well before CBA deal confirmation and any trades, they highlight the work the Wings need to do to stay competitive. As per reports, the front office has taken its first step and is looking to add Sandy Brondello as the Wings’ new head coach.
2026 Could Be Redemption Year For The Dallas Wings
While Brondello has a proven record, only the Brondello-Bueckers pair will not bring glory to the franchise. One thing that might do is to attract top talent, which could boost their chances. Another option is to take picks to address the weak links in the forward position.
2026 WNBA draft features two top players at the center position – Spanish sensation Awa Fam and UCLA phenom Lauren Betts. The side could also lean towards Bueckers’ former teammate guard Azzi Fudd, which would bring out the best in both players.
Although there is plenty of time for the start of the 2026 season, the franchise has massive work to do.