The Dallas Wings history traces the journey of this exciting WNBA franchise from its early beginnings to its rise as a dynamic force in women’s basketball. Known for thrilling games and talented rosters, Dallas Wings basketball reflects dedication, growth, and community support, making the team a standout presence in the league today.
Established
1998
City
Detroit – Tulsa – Dallas
League History
1998 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
2016 – Present / Dallas Wings
2010 – 2015 / Tulsa Shock
1998 – 2009 / Detroit Shock
Nickname
Wings – The Dallas Wings are a professional Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) basketball team. While their name may not sound like it has any particular meaning, the origin of their nickname is rooted in Texas history.
The Dallas Wings were founded as part of an expansion into Texas by the WNBA, and they wanted to honor both women’s basketball and the state itself with their name. The result was "Wings," which pays homage to one of Texas' most iconic symbols: The Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903. This historic event marked a significant milestone for aviation. It showed that anything was possible if you had enough courage to pursue your dreams - something that resonates strongly with sports fans everywhere.
Dallas Wings Origin
In addition, “wings” also symbolize freedom and strength - two qualities associated with female athletes who have overcome adversity on their way to success on the court or field. As such, it is an apt tribute to those brave pioneers who took off from Kitty Hawk more than 100 years ago and to all those courageous women today making waves through sport both domestically & internationally!
It's clear why this nickname holds so much significance for sports fans across America; after all, what better way is there to celebrate both past & present achievements than by honoring them through our favorite teams? So next time you hear someone mention “the wings,” make sure they know where its roots lie- right here in Dallas!
Championship
WNBA Championships 0
Arena
2016 – Present / College Park Center
*Tulsa*
2010 – 2015 / BOK Center
*Detroit*
1998 – 2009 / The Palace of Auburn Hills
Owner
2016 – Present / Bill Cameron, Chris Christian and Mark Yancey
2010 – 2015 / Tulsa Pro Hoops LLC
1998–2009 / William Davidson
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2022
Wings Team Creation
On July 23, 2015, WNBA League owners unanimously approved the Tulsa Shock’s relocation to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to play out of the College Park Center at the University of Texas at Arlington. College Park Center is also home to the UT Arlington Mavericks basketball and volleyball teams. At a press conference at College Park Center on November 2, 2015, it was announced that the team was renamed ...-
The Wings made their first playoff appearance in Dallas
In 2017: The Wings made their first playoff appearance in Dallas, but lost to the Washington Mystics in the first round. They also drafted Allisha Gray, who won the Rookie of the Year award, and traded for Skylar Diggins-Smith, who returned from a knee injury. -
The Wings made the playoffs again
In 2018: The Wings made the playoffs again, but lost to the Phoenix Mercury in the first round. They also had three All-Stars: Liz Cambage, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Kayla Thornton. Cambage set a WNBA record with 53 points in a game against the New York Liberty. -
Dallas Wings drafted Arike Ogunbowale
In 2019: The Dallas Wings drafted Arike Ogunbowale, who led all rookies in scoring and was named to the All-Rookie Team. -
The Wings hired Vickie Johnson as their new head coach
In 2022: The Wings hired Vickie Johnson as their new head coach, replacing Brian Agler who resigned after two seasons.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Dallas Wings History
The Dallas Wings history begins in 1998 when the franchise was founded as the Detroit Shock. Under head coach Nancy Lieberman, they entered the WNBA and steadily built up, despite early inconsistency. In 2002, after a poor start, Greg Williams was replaced by Bill Laimbeer. That change marked a turning point in Dallas Wings basketball, as Laimbeer leading the Shock to multiple championship runs.
The Detroit Shock won their Dallas Wings history first WNBA championship in 2003, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks. They followed that with titles in 2006 over Sacramento Monarchs and in 2008 by sweeping the San Antonio Silver Stars.
In 2010 the team relocated to Tulsa and became the Tulsa Shock. During those years, Dallas Wings history was one of rebuilding: multiple losing seasons, experimenting with rosters and coaching changes. Then in 2016, the franchise moved again—this time to Arlington, Texas—and rebranded as the Dallas Wings, beginning a new era in Dallas Wings basketball.
Since becoming the Dallas Wings, the team has had ups and downs. They’ve made the playoffs in several seasons, including 2017, 2018, and 2021, but have yet to reach the Finals under the Wings name. Core players like Arike Ogunbowale have emerged in Dallas Wings basketball, establishing themselves as stars and helping the Wings gain respect in the league.
Wings Achievements
The franchise won three WNBA championships while known as the Detroit Shock: in 2003, 2006, and 2008. These titles are central to the Dallas Wings history and are among the proudest moments in Dallas Wings basketball legacy.
Though the Dallas Wings history as the Wings (since 2016) has not yet included a Finals appearance, they have achieved multiple playoff berths, individual player awards, and cultivated stars such as Arike Ogunbowale who has earned All-WNBA honors, furthering Dallas Wings basketball prominence.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history