STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | April 11, 2026 — The Dallas Wings secured the return of their most accomplished player on Saturday, re-signing veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale and reaffirming her role as the centerpiece of the franchise heading into the 2026 season.

Ogunbowale, the Wings’ all-time leading scorer, continues her tenure in Dallas after agreeing to a new deal that underscores both her loyalty to the organization and the team’s commitment to building around her elite offensive production and leadership. Since being selected fifth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Ogunbowale has emerged as one of the league’s premier guards, combining scoring prowess with clutch playmaking ability.

“We are so excited that Arike has chosen to return to Dallas and build upon her great legacy here,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. “We understand the unique opportunity we have in being able to welcome back our franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and we are so grateful for Arike’s loyalty to the Dallas Wings. Her commitment to the Wings and City of Dallas is undeniable and we are looking forward to building this team with her veteran leadership at the forefront.”

Entering the 2026 campaign, Ogunbowale’s place in franchise history is already firmly established. She holds Dallas records in points, field goals made, three-pointers made, and free throws made, and is within striking distance of adding assists and steals to that list. Her continued presence provides stability for a Wings team seeking to ascend in a competitive WNBA landscape.

Arike Ogunbowale’s Impact on the Dallas Wings

Despite being limited to 29 games during the 2025 season due to injury, Ogunbowale remained highly productive, averaging 15.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. Her season was highlighted by a series of standout performances, including a historic outing on July 28 against New York, when she tied the franchise’s single-game assist record with 14 while adding 15 points. Notably, she recorded 10 assists in the first half alone, becoming just the third player in WNBA history to achieve a points-assists double-double within a single half.

Her scoring milestones have been equally significant. Earlier in the season, Ogunbowale surpassed A’ja Wilson for the second-most points through 200 career games, trailing only Breanna Stewart. She also matched Diana Taurasi as the fastest player in league history to reach 500 made three-pointers, accomplishing the feat in just 198 games.

Ogunbowale’s résumé reflects sustained excellence at the highest level. A four-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP, she has earned multiple All-WNBA selections and led the league in scoring in 2020. Her defensive impact has also grown, highlighted by a league-leading 2.1 steals per game in 2024. She remains one of only a select group of active players to surpass 4,400 points, 700 rebounds, 850 assists, 330 steals, and 500 three-pointers, reaching those benchmarks faster than any player in league history.

Beyond the WNBA, Ogunbowale has continued to refine her game through international competition. She has competed professionally in Turkey, Russia, and China, gaining valuable experience against elite global talent. Most recently, she played for Sichuan in the WCBA playoffs, averaging 16.3 points while contributing across the stat sheet. She also led Mist BC to a championship in the Unrivaled league earlier this year, further demonstrating her ability to perform in high-pressure environments.

Her return to Dallas carries significance beyond individual accolades. Ogunbowale’s leadership and experience are expected to play a central role in guiding a Wings roster that blends emerging talent with veteran contributors. As the team continues to shape its identity, her presence provides both continuity and a proven foundation for success.

Ogunbowale’s journey to becoming one of the WNBA’s premier players began at Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where she became the program’s all-time leading scorer and delivered one of the most memorable championship runs in NCAA history, culminating in the 2018 national title.

As the Wings prepare for the upcoming season, Ogunbowale’s re-signing signals a clear direction: Dallas is committed to building a contender around its franchise star. With her scoring ability, leadership, and championship pedigree, Ogunbowale remains at the heart of the organization’s ambitions for 2026 and beyond.