Although the deadline for CBA talks has expired, there are no further discussions about an extension. However, a crucial decision was made when the WNBA and WNBPA agreed on a Free Agency Moratorium, halting all free agency movements. Although the situation increases pressure on the teams, according to a WNBA analyst, the Dallas Wings have their priorities in order, especially regarding top free agent Arike Ogunbowale.
The Wings have multiple young players on rookie contracts and have already traded away their experienced stars, DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith, to acquire draft picks and additional young stars. The intentions may be clear from the franchise.
2026 Top Pick To Force Arike Ogunbowale Out Of Wings
The Dallas Wings’ GM, Curt Miller, spoke about Ogunbowale’s free agency status as the star was heavily involved in the team’s decisions. But now, with the draft situation getting clearer and clearer, the franchise might move her to bring in a fresh face at the number one position.
As per Austin Veazey, the top three candidates for the 2026 draft top pick are Awa Fam, Lauren Betts, and Azzi Fudd. While every player brings in their specialty to the team, the UConn star clearly has an edge with her defensive abilities and shooting prowess. And if the side selects Fudd, they will let the veteran guard go for free.
Arike Ogunbowale addresses her current situation with the Dallas Wings.
— Take Flight (@takeflightwnba) December 16, 2025
"Once I figure out CBA and what team I'll be on and what team I'm going to sign with, then maybe I'll do some talking, but I'mma my business. I don't like to be in the mess. I'll leave that up to y'all."… pic.twitter.com/m0f9oc4YEi
Fudd played with Paige Bueckers at UConn and is one of the best perimeter shooters in women’s college basketball. She led the country in three-point shooting last year at 43.6%, and she’s even higher this year at 48.2% on higher volume. Ogunbowale misses these traits, while she is a mid-range shooter,
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
But that won’t stop the Wings’ former scoring leader from making an impact in the WNBA. There are possibly three teams looking for a player of her quality for the upcoming seasons.
Three Teams Can Hand Arike Ogunbowale A Chance To Redeem Herself
The veteran guard has scored a career-low 15.5 points per game on 36.4 per cent shooting. These are still compelling numbers for many teams in the league.
The Chicago Sky is looking for a veteran guard to complement its potent forward line-up, and Ogunbowale would fit the bill perfectly. While the team struggled with points from the backcourt, Ogunbowale could step in with her ability to create shots and playmaking to help elevate the Sky’s offense.
Moreover, her experience and capabilities make her a perfect leader for any team, and two new franchises – Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo would use her as a building block for their inaugural season.