The WNBA has grown exponentially in the last couple of years. They have witnessed a significant rise in their popularity as well as cash flow coming in. However, as the 2025 season is underway, the league has come face-to-face with an unprecedented situation. Almost every major franchisee has been dealing with the issue of injuries. It all started with Fever head coach Stephanie White bringing grim Caitlin Clark news for the fans. And then, it became an endless charade of players getting added to the injury list. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings seem to be the only team witnessing the worst.
The Dallas Wings have had a dismal season. Despite their star rookie Paige Bueckers shining bright, the Wings are already eliminated from the playoff race. And a large chunk of their failure can be attributed to the injuries they have faced. Owing to such problems, the WNBA teams are considering looking for an extra spot.
Dallas Wings’ Injury Situation Makes WNBA Teams Vying For Extra Roster Spots
As per the WNBA rule, the league has a hard salary ceiling of $1,507,100. It also has a player of 12, due to which most teams have been carrying 11-player rosters. However, officials might have to revisit this number as the CBA negotiations approach. And one of the prime examples of why teams would need extra spots on their roster is undoubtedly the Dallas Wings.
Back on Friday, the Dallas Wings were compelled to sign Christyn Williams to an ‘extreme hardship’ contract. The reason? Well, the Wings’ roster dropped below the eight-player mark. Ahead of their game with the Atlanta Dream, the Wings listed as many as seven players out due to injuries. And that was not all. Out of the seven available players, the likes of Amy Okonkwo, Williams, and Serena Sundell are on hardship contracts.
The @DallasWings have signed guard Christyn Williams to an extreme hardship contract. Additionally, the Wings have signed forward Amy Okonkwo to a second seven-day hardship contract. Both Williams and Okonkwo will be available for tonight’s game at the Atlanta Dream.#WingsUp
— Dallas Wings PR (@DallasWingsPR) August 29, 2025
Now then, looking at the sorry scenario, a lot of coaches and athletes alike have questioned in favor of a contract expansion. One of them was Aces’ coach Becky Hammon. “I’m hugely in favor of roster expansion. One, there’s a lot of talent out there not playing. Two, just the load on everybody, you can’t add games and not add some way to manage that load,” said Hammon. Meanwhile, as the Dallas Wings face WNBA forfeit risk, Rebecca Lobo points out a key point as to what might be causing the widespread injuries.
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Rebecca Lobo Blames The Prolonged Season For Player Injuries As Dallas Wings In Deep Waters
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Napheesa Collier, Brittney Griner, Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham. The list just goes on. Surprisingly, so many injuries were not a common sight till this year. So what’s causing the widespread problem? Well, Rebecca Lobo seems to have the answer. Speaking on the issue, Lobo blamed the WNBA’s packed schedule as one of the biggest reasons for so many injuries. The gaps between the two games have diminished significantly. And that packed schedule is hampering the players’ recovery.
“A priority of @TheWNBPA in the new CBA has to be addressing the condensed schedule. This season there are too many games in too short a period of time. (Research: Garrett Gastfield) AVERAGE # OF DAYS BETWEEN GAMES 2021: 4.03 2022: 2.81 2023: 2.88 2024:3.23 2025: 2.70,” said Lobo
Surely, the Dallas Wings’ situation has exposed a dark side of the WNBA. With teams rooting for roster expansion, fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the CBA negotiations turn out.