Dallas Wings Top Lottery Odds Set Up Big Decisions
For the second year in a row, the Dallas Wings hold the best odds of winning the first pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft Lottery, an opportunity that can shape the franchise’s long-term future. With a two-year record of 19–65, Dallas owns 420 of 1,000 possible lottery combinations, guaranteeing at least the third pick in the 2026 draft. The lottery will air on November 23, 2025, on ESPN, featuring the Dallas Wings, along with Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and Chicago. After finishing 10–34 in 2025, the Wings continue to rebuild their roster around Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, who quickly became one of the league’s most exciting young stars. Now, under new head coach Jose Fernandez, Dallas is aiming to take the next step toward playoff contention.
Should Dallas land the top selection, this draft could dictate the direction of the franchise for years to come. After multiple losing seasons, the Wings are finally positioned to control their own destiny. Having the top lottery odds gives Dallas the chance to add another cornerstone player to pair with Bueckers and the rest of their young core. Lauren Betts, UCLA’s standout center, has consistently showcased size, skill, and versatility in the paint, making her one of the most highly regarded prospects heading into the 2026 WNBA Draft. Betts, who averaged 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last season, is the current favorite to go first overall. Her interior dominance could give Dallas a stronger frontcourt presence, aligning with Fernandez’s reputation for developing post players. Whichever direction Dallas decides to go in, the pick will influence and change the direction of how other teams draft and trade, given the strong pool of post players and guards entering the conversation. Adding a frontcourt player like Betts could provide balance to a young roster that already includes Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist, and 2025 draftees Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly.
The Wings also have the flexibility to pursue veteran free agents or continue building through the draft while developing their existing young talent. How they approach this offseason will reveal their long-term strategy. Whether the first pick is used to add another young piece alongside Bueckers or traded to acquire veteran contributors, the Wings’ decision will set the tone for a WNBA offseason already filled with expansion, coaching changes, and roster movement. After relocating to Dallas and investing in new facilities, the organization is under pressure to turn potential into results, focusing on stability and growth. The 2026 WNBA Draft represents more than just another pick; it’s a defining opportunity to build a lasting identity and strengthen a roster that could soon compete at the top of the league. For a franchise seeking to transform promise into contention, this moment could mark the turning point from rebuild to resurgence.
