HIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Excitements Hit, Dallas Mavericks Welcome Dallas Wings as Assistant
Dallas sports is buzzing, and it’s not just about one team—it’s the synergy between two. The Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Wings are forging a partnership that blends sport, community, empowerment, and ambition, ushering in an era of unity and hope.
A Historic Alliance: Jersey Sponsorship & GEM Program
Back in August 2023, the Mavericks inked a multi-year jersey sponsorship with the Wings, marking the WNBA’s first-ever partnership of this magnitude with an NBA franchise operating under different ownership. The agreement gave birth to a visible symbol of collaboration: the Wings began wearing the “Girls Empowered by Mavericks” (GEM) patch on their jerseys during both home and away game
It was more than branding—it’s a shared vision. The partnership extends GEM’s reach to over 3,000 girls annually, offering programming like basketball camps, wellness clinics, financial literacy courses, and leadership workshops
Rising Stars and Fresh Leadership
In 2025, the Wings have undergone a dramatic internal overhaul to match the momentum:
- Curt Miller was appointed Executive VP & General Manager in November 2024
- Chris Koclanes stepped in as Head Coach in December 2024, bringing a defensive-minded philosophy and top-notch development experience
- Assistant coaches Camille Smith, Nola Henry, and Belle Koclanes were hired early in 2025, alongside Addison Lee, who joined as Director of Basketball Analytics & Strategy
- In March, former Indiana Fever assistant Jhared Simpson joined as Director of Player Development, rounding out a strong, growth-focused staff
Paige Bueckers: “Like Christmas Morning”
A game-changer in every sense, Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Wings. The UConn legend, known for her elite court vision, shooting range, and leadership, brings star power, hope, and youth to the franchise
Fans have responded wildly—season tickets for 2025 sold out, and Bueckers’ arrival has been likened to “like Christmas mornin Community buzz is building as the Wings gear up for a move to a renovated Memorial Arena in downtown Dallas in 2026, complete with a new $54 million practice facili
Broadcasting Unity: Wings and Mavericks on the Same Channel
In a bold move to make women’s basketball more accessible, the Wings secured a regional TV deal with KFAA, the same station that broadcasts Mavericks games in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Starting in the 2025 season, every Wings game not on national TV will air locally through KFAA (and select ones on WFAA), making the team more visible than ever
Challenges Amid the Hype: Coaching Tensions
Every surge comes with growing pains. The Wings are enduring a turbulent stretch: low performance on the court (an 8‑23 record in the current season) has sparked fan protests and a “We Want Nola” campaign, advocating for assistant coach Nola Henry to take over the helm. But veteran player Myisha Hines‑Allen called for calm and unity, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion during the rebuild
Why This Matters
For Dallas, the synergy between the Mavericks and Wings symbolizes more than sports—it’s a shared vow to uplift, empower, and inspire. Here’s what puts the “best news” label on this union:
- Trailblazing model: The jersey sponsorship broke new ground and set a precedent for WNBA–NBA alliances
- Star magnetism: Bueckers ignites the franchise’s resurgence and connects fans emotionally to the rebuil
- Unified media presence: Shared broadcast channels bring both teams under one roof in Dallas househol
- Community impact: GEM and all of the Wings’ community programming deepen reach into girls and families from North Texas.
In Closing: A Shared Court, A Shared Future
When the Dallas Mavericks coach is welcomed by the Dallas Wings, it’s more than a partnership—it’s a promise. A promise that the future of basketball in Dallas is inclusive, powerful, and transformational. As the Wings rebuild, with Bueckers leading the charge and the Mavericks’ unwavering support, the whole city stands to win—on the court, in the communities, and in the hearts of fans.
