STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | April 13, 2026 — The Dallas Wings are set to bring fans into the heart of one of the most pivotal nights of their offseason, announcing a 2026 WNBA Draft Party scheduled for Monday, April 13, at Happiest Hour in downtown Dallas.
With doors opening at 5:30 p.m. CT, the event will coincide with the 2026 WNBA Draft, which airs live on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT. Admission to the event is free, with fans encouraged to secure their spots through advance RSVP.
A Franchise at a Defining Moment
For the second consecutive year, Dallas enters draft night holding the No. 1 overall pick—a rare and potentially franchise-altering position. The opportunity follows a landmark 2025 draft, when the Wings selected Paige Bueckers with the top pick, a move that quickly paid dividends as she captured WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s future.
Now, with another No. 1 selection and the No. 31 overall pick, Dallas again finds itself at the center of league-wide attention. The Draft Party reflects both the magnitude of the moment and the organization’s commitment to engaging its fan base in real time.
Bringing Fans Behind the Scenes
The event is designed to provide more than just a viewing experience. Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the Wings’ draft process, including a private message from General Manager Curt Miller, offering insight into the team’s strategy and decision-making.
Fans will also hear from longtime play-by-play voice Ron Thulin, who will lead a live chalk talk session breaking down draft prospects, roster needs and potential outcomes.
The program will feature an appearance from a Wings player, adding a personal connection between the team and its supporters during one of the most anticipated nights of the offseason.
Enhancing the Fan Experience
Beyond the basketball focus, the Draft Party will serve as a launch point for the Wings’ 2026 season experience.
Fans in attendance will be the first to access newly released team merchandise and single-game tickets, providing an early opportunity to connect with the upcoming season. The first 300 attendees will also receive complimentary food, while additional food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the venue.
Large screens will broadcast both the Draft Pre-Show and the draft itself, ensuring fans can follow every selection as it happens.
Building Momentum Off the Court
The Wings’ decision to host a public Draft Party reflects the franchise’s continued growth and increasing engagement within the North Texas sports landscape.
Coming off back-to-back seasons of sold-out crowds and rising national visibility, the organization has made a concerted effort to strengthen its connection with fans. Events like the Draft Party not only celebrate key milestones but also create shared experiences that extend beyond game day.
As the team enters its 11th season in North Texas, the emphasis on fan interaction and accessibility remains a central part of its identity.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Following the draft, Dallas will shift its focus to the regular season, which begins May 9 on the road against the Indiana Fever. The Wings will then return home to College Park Center for their home opener on May 12 against the Atlanta Dream.
With a strengthened roster and another top draft pick on the horizon, expectations are high for the upcoming campaign.
But before the season tips off, all eyes will be on draft night—where the future of the franchise could once again take shape, this time with fans right in the middle of the moment.
