STWF Sports| ARLINGTON, Texas | April 3, 2026  — The Dallas Wings took a significant roster hit Friday as center Luisa Geiselsöder and guard/forward Haley Jones were selected by the Portland Fire in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft, a pivotal moment that reshapes the team’s depth heading into the upcoming season.

Both players were designated as reserved free agents, with Portland acquiring exclusive negotiating rights as part of the expansion process. While anticipated, the selections underscore the challenges teams face during expansion cycles—balancing roster protection with long-term planning.

Key Departures Impact Rotation

Geiselsöder, taken in the first round of the expansion draft, represents a loss of size and versatility in the frontcourt. Originally drafted by Dallas in 2020, the German center spent several seasons developing overseas before joining the Wings for the 2025 campaign.

In her first WNBA season, Geiselsöder appeared in 28 games, averaging 6.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest. Her ability to stretch the floor and contribute as a passer added a unique dimension to Dallas’ interior play. Despite missing the final five games of the season with a shoulder injury, she showed steady growth and adaptability throughout the year.

Jones, selected in the second round, emerged as a key contributor during the 2025 season. Initially signed to a hardship contract in June, she quickly earned a rest-of-season deal and carved out a consistent role in the rotation.

The Stanford product appeared in 24 games, making 16 starts while averaging career highs of 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Her versatility on the wing allowed Dallas to deploy multiple lineups, and her all-around production often filled critical gaps.

Jones delivered several standout performances, including an 18-point outing against Golden State and a career-high 10 rebounds versus Seattle. She also recorded four consecutive games scoring in double figures, highlighting her offensive consistency during a pivotal stretch of the season.

Organizational Perspective

For Dallas, the expansion draft marks a difficult but necessary phase in roster evolution. Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment while emphasizing the organization’s forward-looking approach.

“The Expansion Draft is always a tough day for organizations,” Miller said. “While planning has been in place for months, the reality of losing players that you value and believe in is always difficult. Losing Luisa and Haley is no exception. Both contributed on and off the court to our culture and have bright futures.”

The departures leave Dallas with decisions to make in both the frontcourt and wing rotations, particularly as the team continues to build around its core entering the 2026 season.

Eyes on the Future

Despite the losses, the Wings remain well-positioned for the next phase of roster construction. Dallas holds the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft, marking the second consecutive year the franchise will select first overall. The team also owns the No. 31 pick, providing additional flexibility to address depth and long-term needs.

The draft, scheduled for April 13, is expected to play a critical role in reshaping the roster and offsetting the departures of Geiselsöder and Jones.

Dallas will open its 2026 campaign on May 9 with a road matchup against the Indiana Fever before returning home to College Park Center for its home opener against the Atlanta Dream on May 12.

Transition Moment for Dallas

As the Wings enter their 11th season in North Texas, Friday’s expansion draft results serve as a reminder of the evolving landscape of the WNBA. Expansion introduces opportunity across the league—but also forces established teams to make difficult sacrifices.

For Dallas, the focus now shifts to adaptation. With key roster pieces departing and a top draft pick in hand, the organization stands at a transition point—one that will shape its identity moving forward.

The loss of Geiselsöder and Jones is significant, but it also opens the door for new talent and new roles. In a league defined by change and growth, the Wings now turn the page toward their next chapter.