Dallas Wings Draft Watch Party
The atmosphere at the College Park Center in Arlington was electric on Monday evening, with the Dallas Wings’ WNBA draft watch party in full swing. The scene was reminiscent of a graduation ceremony, complete with blue and green balloons, face-painting stations, and booths to sign up for the team’s season ticket waitlist.
The excitement was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Wings’ No. 1 overall pick. According to Mariah Marshall, who works in ticket sales for the Wings, the team had sold out of tickets for the event due to the anticipation surrounding the draft. “We have several people on the waitlist right now who are excited to get season tickets next year,” Marshall said.
The Draft Party
The mood and festivities at the draft party were all centered around one reason: the Wings’ selection of UConn star Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick. When WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the pick from New York, the sound echoed through the arena like a sonic boom, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
Some of Bueckers’ new teammates, including Arike Ogunbowale, NaLyssa Smith, and Myisha Hines-Allen, were on hand for the party, sitting in the front row with ear-to-ear smiles. The Wings had a poor season in 2024, finishing with a 9-31 record and earning the second-worst record in the WNBA, which led to them securing the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery.
One luxury of selecting first in the draft is the ability to plan, and the Wings took full advantage of this opportunity. The team offered fans the chance to purchase Bueckers gear, including custom Nike shirts with her portrait, and there was even a Lego mural of the former UConn star’s face on display.
Impact on the Team and the City
The 6,500-seat arena was at least half full on Monday, with lines to get inside College Park Center wrapping around the corner of Arlington’s West 2nd Street. This reflected not only the hype and anticipation for Bueckers but also the growing popularity of women’s basketball. Noelle Steele, whose 14-year-old daughter is a Bueckers fan, is moving to Dallas from Pennsylvania and flew down just for the draft party.
“We’re probably the best example of the impact Paige Bueckers can make on the city of Dallas,” Steele said. “We’re moving here this summer, and as soon as we heard that she was going to be the No. 1 prospect and headed to Dallas, we bought season tickets.” Steele also expressed optimism about Bueckers’ ability to fit in well with the Wings’ roster and improve the team in her first season.
“Hopefully, players outside the key can feel an impact,” Steele said. “They can play a little inside-outside game. Paige is constantly moving on the court, so defenses are gonna have a hard time keeping up with her.” As party attendees took their seats on Monday to songs by Beyoncé and Travis Scott, the Wings Flight Crew — the dance team — encouraged fans to stay engaged.
Excitement and Anticipation
Every time Bueckers appeared on the video board during the broadcast of the draft from Hudson Yards, the crowd in Arlington erupted. “Paige is going to bring a lot of people in,” said Kelley Jenkins, who was wearing a Bueckers UConn jersey. “They are going to get a chance to experience the culture. They are going to get a chance to experience the Wings. She’s gonna do great here.”
The Wings’ selection of Bueckers is expected to have a significant impact on the team and the city of Dallas. With her exceptional skills and talent, Bueckers is poised to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the team. As the city prepares to welcome Bueckers, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and the opportunity to see her in action.
Conclusion
The Dallas Wings’ draft watch party was a celebration of the team’s future and the excitement surrounding the selection of Paige Bueckers. With her talent and charisma, Bueckers is expected to bring a new level of enthusiasm and energy to the team. As the city of Dallas prepares to welcome Bueckers, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and the opportunity to see her in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who did the Dallas Wings select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft?
A: The Dallas Wings selected UConn star Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.
Q: Where was the draft watch party held?
A: The draft watch party was held at the College Park Center in Arlington.
Q: What is the expected impact of Bueckers on the team and the city of Dallas?
A: Bueckers is expected to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the team, and her selection is anticipated to have a significant impact on the city of Dallas, with fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming season and the opportunity to see her in action.
