ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings are kicking off the 2024 season Friday, facing the Indiana Fever and rookie star Caitlin Clark for its preseason game.
WFAA asked Greg Bibb, president and CEO of the Wings, “Could you have written this story any better?”
“No," he said. "We’re fortunate. Obviously Caitlin Clark, especially over the last 6 months or so, has really grabbed the nation and maybe the world’s attention and brought people to our game who hadn’t been a part of it before.”
But Clark's arrival to the league - and to Arlington on Friday night - is just another step in what's been a journey for the WNBA and the Wings.
The Wings have been growing in popularity and success in recent years, capping off the 2023 season with a semifinals appearance and setting records off the court as well: All-time franchise records for ticket revenue, single game sales and average ticket price in 2023; and in 2024, season tickets are sold out, for suites and courtside seats too.
“It’s the first time we’ve done it. This is our 9th season but much like what’s happening on the court, we’ve been building off the court for the last 4 or 5 years,” Bibb said. “To sell out of our season ticket inventory. To sell out our preseason game. To sell out the home opener. All new for us.”
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On the court, the road to a championship begins at the College Park Center on Friday night.
“I think it’ll be electric," Wings star forward Maddy Siegrist said. "We saw March Madness was electric this year. I think the finals, the semi-finals last year, so just continuing to carry that over."
Her fellow Wings forward Natasha Howard knows “it’s going to be crazy" Friday night.
"Everybody wants to see us against Caitlin Clark," Howard said. "Everyone wants to see how Caitlin Clark is going to do in the league.”
Wings guard Veronica Burton said the bigger spotlight on the Wings, and the WNBA in general, is well-deserved.
"It’s about time that we’re kind of gaining traction," Burton said. "I think it’s going to continue to move in the right direction.”
Next up, an alley-oop, as the Wings prepare to fly into Downtown Dallas Convention Center Arena in 2026. When asked if he feels like this is their moment, Bibb replied, “Hopefully it’s the first of many moments to come.”
Wings Guard Arike Ogunbowale believes it's more than just a moment.
"This is going to last because I think people are finally tuning in and seeing how great our game is," she said.
Head Coach Latricia Trammell said her players deserve the spotlight.
"It’s good for the game, obviously," Trammell said. "I couldn’t be more proud to be the head coach of the Dallas Wings but also, be part of an incredible sport.”