2026 Preview: How Are Dallas Wings Shaping Up Under Jose Fernandez?

The Dallas Wings have been one of the most exciting teams in the WNBA. With a lot of expectations from the team, Dallas roped in Paige Bueckers as their number one overall pick. Now then, the 23-year-old star did have a stellar season. Winning the Rookie of the Year, Bueckers had the critics sit up and take note. Unfortunately, despite such a positive surge from the newcomer, the team failed to deliver good results. 

Under the coaching of Chris Koclanes, the team looked lackluster. Finishing at the bottom half of the table, the front office was not at all happy with Koclanes. Thus, trying to turn their luck around this season, Dallas announced Jose Fernandez as their new head coach. Immediately, Fernandez looked locked in to bring in some drastic changes to the team. Now, as the Wings prepare for the upcoming 2026 season, here’s a preview of how they might suit up against the other teams.

Can Jose Fernandez Make An Immediate Impact For The Dallas Wings?

Back in November, when Fernandez appeared before the media for the first time, his words sounded firm. Calling for a change within the team, the new head coach instilled hope in thousands of Wings’ fans. Following his work with the team for the past few months, Fernandez has never shied from admitting that his primary role as a head coach is to bring in visible changes for the roster. 

In a recent statement, the 54-year-old coach praised Bueckers for her incredible abilities. Next up, the former USF coach also doubled down on how he expects his team to play this season. Surprisingly, a potential championship run was very much on his radar. 

“If we can put a really good roster together around the current players that we have, there should be no reason why we’re not a playoff contender,” Fernandez told the reporters. 

Don't hold your breath waiting for her to slow down.

Paige Bueckers has officially been named the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year 🏁

𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣? pic.twitter.com/WoKpzHPv6x

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 16, 2025

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He further added, “My expectation in taking this job is to win a championship.”

Surely, the vibe around the Wings’ locker room looks overly positive at the moment. While many thought that the transition from college coaching to a WNBA job would be added pressure, Fernandez has bossed his role so far. What’s more, the 54-year-old has gotten the approval from the UConn Huskies’ legendary coach, Geno Auriemma, too. 

Thankfully for Fernandez, he also has a stellar team to back him up. 

Dallas Wings Are Banking Heavily On The Paige Bueckers-Azzi Fudd Duo

After landing the 1st draft pick in the lottery this year, all eyes were on the Wings. Quite expectedly, the Wings’ front office landed Azzi Fudd as the number one overall pick for 2026. This meant that the team now had back-to-back number one picks in their ranks. Additionally, the pair also has a history. Back in college, the duo suited up for the Huskies. And in 2025, Fudd and Bueckers combined to win the NCAA championship. Now, that same energy is returning to Dallas. And the fans cannot be more excited to watch them play.

Following the 10-34 showing last year, the roster underwent a major overhaul. While the likes of Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and Aziaha James returned, they had some significant additions in free agency. For example, Jessica Shepard was roped in alongside Alanna Smith. Her performance last year stood out, as voters adjudged her the 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year. 

And that’s not all. With the general manager focusing on veterans, Curt Miller became quite successful in doing so. 

Why Did The Dallas Wings Bank On The Veterans?

The Wings were typically known for having a young roster. But this year, Miller stressed blending youth with experience. Thus, he strengthened his side by extending contracts to the likes of Alysha Clark and Odyssey Sims. Elated after the targeted acquisitions, the Wings’ general manager explained his motive behind the move.

“There was an intent this year to add veterans in the locker room, which we were successful [at] in free agency. There’s a balance in that locker room now of youth, but the experience is very, very important to also add. So again, we want to win now. Coaches always want to win now,” Miller told the reporters. 

Thus, with things looking promising, fans will be eager to see what’s next.