Arike Ogunbowale Signs Below-Supermax Deal to Stay with Dallas Wings

Arike Ogunbowale has committed her future to the Dallas Wings, signing a multiyear, seven-figure contract that falls below the available $1.4 million supermax. The four-time WNBA All-Star chose to prioritize roster flexibility for the franchise over maximizing her own earnings. Ogunbowale received a core qualifying offer from the Wings earlier this week, and she has decided to remain in Dallas as the team builds toward contention.

Ogunbowale was selected fifth overall by Dallas in 2019 out of Notre Dame and has since become one of the league’s premier scorers. She has earned three All-WNBA selections and two All-Star Game MVP awards. In 2020, she led the league in scoring, averaging 23.9 points per game. Last season, she averaged 15.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game as Dallas finished with the worst record in the league.

Dallas also announced that forward Jessica Shepard has agreed to a multiyear deal with the team. Shepard spent five seasons with the Minnesota Lynx after being drafted in 2019. The 6-foot-4 forward averaged 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game off the bench in 2025. Shepard and Ogunbowale were teammates at Notre Dame and won a national championship together in 2018.

By signing Ogunbowale below the supermax, the Wings have preserved cap flexibility to build around her and the 2025 No. 1 pick, which will be used to select Paige Bueckers. Ogunbowale and Bueckers will form the core of a team looking to make a playoff push under new head coach Jose Fernandez.

Ogunbowale also added to her accolades this offseason by winning an Unrivaled title with Mist B.C. Her decision to stay in Dallas reflects her loyalty to the franchise and her belief in the direction of the team. With a revamped roster and a top pick in the draft, the Wings are positioning themselves for a return to contention.

Dallas will look to use the No. 1 pick in Monday’s WNBA collegiate draft to add another cornerstone to its roster. The team’s front office now has the flexibility to pursue additional free agents or make in-season trades.