The Dallas Wings are aiming to finalize their roster for the 2026 season by May 7, ahead of the season's start. However, head coach Jose Fernandez recently disclosed that he is facing a challenge in this process due to players joining the camp late.

In a clip recently shared on X by Dallas Wings reporter Myah Taylor, head coach Fernandez was asked how he plans to bring together players with different skill sets and from different generations. And the basketball college coach gave an honest response.

Fernandez said, "Yeah, that's the biggest thing we have to do in this short, in such a short amount of time. Because as you know, Arike [Ogunbowale] is not here, right? Jessica Shepard's not here. When they get here, things in this practice facility is going to change dramatically."

He also mentioned, "So, I'm looking forward to putting this bunch of stuff in. We'll do a good job getting that stuff out to them so when they come in, they're prepared on everything that we put in."

For those unaware, Ogunbowale hasn’t joined training yet because she’s been playing for the Sichuan Blue Whales in China’s WCBA playoffs. However, she can be a worthy addition considering her Unrivaled 2026 title victory with Mist BC during the offseason.

Meanwhile, Shepard is also yet to join the camp due to similar reasons. The 29-year-old is currently representing Beretta Famila Schio in Italy, where she is averaging 16.8 points and 9.0 rebounds. Shepard helped her side win the Italian league title, which shows why her return could make a big impact.

The Wings are also waiting on 3 more players, namely, Awak Kuier, Costanza Verona, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, who have been playing overseas in Turkey, Italy, and Serbia, respectively.

With key pieces still missing, the bigger question now is how Fernandez plans to pull everything together in time.

Jose Fernandez Excited About His Tenure as the Wings’ Coach

So, with 22 players set to be trimmed to 12 before the season opener against the Indiana Fever on May 9, and up to two development spots to manage under the new CBA, José Fernández is focused on getting everything right.

But while the respnsibility seems massive, Fernandez isn't really worried about it. “It’s excitement,” he said via Javad back in February. “My wife’s been extremely supportive. Now, how we’re going to move eight dogs to Dallas, that’s going to be a different story.”

Fernandez brings decades of college experience, having built a strong, pro-ready system at South Florida, and now aims to carry that approach into the WNBA with the Wings.

Having said that, do you think overseas commitments will affect the Dallas Wings’ start to the season, or can they still hit the ground running?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy