Arlington, TX (Aug. 21, 2025) – The Dallas Wings announced Thursday that they have signed forward Amy Okonkwo to a seven-day hardship contract. The 6-foot-2 Nigerian international will be available immediately and is expected to suit up Friday night when the Wings host the Seattle Storm at College Park Center.
The signing comes at a pivotal moment for Dallas (9-27), who remain shorthanded following a wave of injuries, including the recent season-ending ACL sprain to center Li Yueru. Head coach Chris Koclanes and the front office turned to a proven international scorer in Okonkwo, who brings championship experience and versatility to the roster.
International Pedigree
Okonkwo has established herself as one of the most decorated Nigerian women’s basketball players of her generation. A two-time FIBA AfroBasket MVP (2023, 2025), she was instrumental in helping Nigeria secure continental dominance. She also represented the national team on the global stage, competing in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Games, giving her valuable experience against the world’s elite competition.
Her international career has been defined by her scoring efficiency and perimeter shooting. During the 2024-25 season with Bourges in France, Okonkwo averaged 14.2 points and 5.2 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 48 percent from three-point range. That level of outside shooting could provide an immediate boost to a Dallas squad ranked near the bottom of the WNBA in perimeter accuracy.
Familiar Roots in Texas
Though born in Fontana, California, Okonkwo has strong ties to North Texas, having starred at TCU from 2016-2019 after beginning her collegiate career at USC. While with the Horned Frogs, she became a fan favorite for her relentless work ethic and leadership. In 2018, she was named the Big 12 Sixth Player of the Year, a testament to her ability to impact games whether starting or coming off the bench.
Her return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area is a homecoming of sorts, and the Wings are banking on both her local ties and professional maturity to provide stability down the stretch of a challenging season.
Recent WNBA Look
Okonkwo briefly resurfaced on WNBA radars earlier this year when she signed a training camp deal with the Connecticut Sun. She appeared in two preseason games, averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds before being waived. That audition showcased her ability to adapt to the league’s pace, but the timing was not right for a permanent roster spot. Dallas’ hardship circumstances, however, have now opened the door for her return to the WNBA stage.
What She Brings to Dallas
For a Wings team battling through adversity, Okonkwo provides:
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Scoring versatility – A proven three-level scorer with the ability to stretch defenses beyond the arc.
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Rebounding presence – Strong on the boards, especially on the defensive end.
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International leadership – Her time with Nigeria and in European professional leagues has sharpened her poise and adaptability.
While the Wings remain in rebuilding mode, the addition of Okonkwo injects depth and proven scoring into a rotation that has leaned heavily on rookie Paige Bueckers and forward Maddy Siegrist in recent weeks.
Looking Ahead
Dallas continues its late-season push Friday when they host the Seattle Storm on Inspiring Women Weekend at College Park Center. With Okonkwo now in the fold, the Wings will look to strengthen their bench production and test new lineup combinations as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
Transaction: Dallas Wings sign forward Amy Okonkwo to a seven-day hardship contract.
