Arike Ogunbowale is signing a seven-figure, multiyear deal to return to the Dallas Wings.
The four-time WNBA All-Star was extended a core qualifying offer by the Wings earlier this week, making her eligible for the $1.4 million supermax in 2026. However, she is taking less than that for the team to be able to build a quality roster around her. Ogunbowale is committed to the franchise and city that drafted her No. 5 overall in 2019.
Key Player Commits to Dallas
Ogunbowale has been a three-time all-WNBA selection during her time in Dallas. She led the league in scoring in 2020 and has earned two All-Star Game MVP honours.
In 2025, the 5-foot-8 guard averaged a career-low 15.5 points along with 4.1 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Wings finished last in the standings and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Prior to last season, Ogunbowale had averaged at least 18.7 points per game in each season of her WNBA career. She had established herself as one of the WNBA’s most prolific scorers and dynamic offensive players.
Ogunbowale won an Unrivaled championship with Mist B.C. during the WNBA offseason.
New Additions and Draft Potential
Jessica Shepard has also agreed to join the Wings on a multi-year deal.
Shepard previously played five seasons in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx, who drafted her in the second round in 2019. Ogunbowale and Shepard were college teammates and won a national championship together.
The 6-foot-4 forward averaged 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 assist per game off the bench in 2025.
Looking Ahead
The Wings have the No. 1 pick in Monday’s collegiate draft. With new coach Jose Fernandez at the helm, the Wings will look to return to the playoffs with a group led by Ogunbowale and 2025 No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers.