Arike Ogunbowale cannot catch a break during this offseason, as uncertainty begins on her return to the Dallas Wings after getting suspended from Game 5 of the WCBA Finals.

The 29-year-old accumulated four technical fouls during the playoffs, which led to her suspension in the final game of the series.

On April 24, an X update from the Chinese Women's Hoop Show revealed that, apart from missing the finals, Ogunbowale will also receive a fine of 5000 yuan (approximately $730), and her current return status to the Dallas Wings training camp is unknown.

Ogunbowale was a major overseas acquisition for the Sichuan Blue Whales to reach the final of the WCBA tournament. She averaged 16.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the playoffs and provided a major helping hand in games 1 and 3 of the finals to tie the series 2-2 against Shanxi Flame.

However, the Blue Whales ended up not needing the help of the overseas veteran, alongside the absence of Elizabeth Cambage, as they won Game 5 to secure their third WCBA title after overcoming the Flame in a 74-65 victory.

While there is still no confirmation regarding her return to Dallas, the Wings play their first preseason game on April 30 against the Indiana Fever. So there are still a few days to sort out her trip back to the States.

Ogunbowale is a Dallas legend through and through, having played all eight of her WNBA seasons with them. The 29-year-old will remain the Wings' cornerstone player and would like to carry the WCBA title win momentum to the WNBA.

She also has the backing of Dallas GM Curt Miller, who thinks really highly of the 29-year-old and has extended his faith in her after she recently signed a seven-figure multi-year contract with the Wings.

Dallas General Manager Curt Miller is All Praises for Arike Ogunbowale

Ogunbowale signed a historic two-year contract extension worth $2.44 million with the Dallas Wings. While she was eligible for a supermax contract, she further proved her loyalty by opting for a basic max salary to help the team with other new signings.

The Dallas GM expressed excitement over her signing, not before addressing her "undeniable" loyalty to the franchise.

“We are so excited that Arike has chosen to return to Dallas and build upon her great legacy here,” Miller said. “Her commitment to the Wings and City of Dallas is undeniable.”

Miller, alongside the fans, will surely hope Ogunbowale can join forces with Paige Bueckers and No.1 overall draft pick Azzi Fudd to maybe flip the 10-34 win/loss record they suffered last season.

So, at what position do you think the Dallas Wings will end up in at the end of the 2026 WNBA regular season?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy