Arike Ogunbowale isn’t certain about recruiting alongside Paige Bueckers to attract fresh talent to the Dallas Wings.
As Unrivaled prepares to start its second season in under three weeks, excitement is buzzing about two new teams joining the 3-on-3 league and a slate of fresh players entering its ranks. The league’s Miami headquarters turned into a magnet for WNBA free agents-to-be last season as players weighed their options.
A vivid example: Brittney Griner’s dramatic decision to move from the Phoenix Mercury to the Atlanta Dream occurred at Unrivaled, alongside fellow soon-to-be teammates Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. In return, Kahleah Copper of the Mercury helped recruit Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas to Phoenix, and that trio went on to reach the WNBA Finals just months later.
The forthcoming free-agent class, which encompasses almost every veteran player outside rookie deals, will give the Wings ample room to maneuver as they look to surround Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers with more talent.
Yet Ogunbowale—Dallas’s all-time leading scorer and one of the pending free agents—remains undecided about whether she will engage in recruiting on the Wings’ behalf.
"From player to player, I prefer to stay out of the pulsing rumors and just mind my own business. I’m not going around pressuring anyone about their plans. People will do what they choose," Ogunbowale said during Unrivaled media availability on Tuesday. "Once I understand the CBA, and know which team I’ll be on or sign with, I might consider chatting with others, but for now I’m staying in my lane."
When asked about whether she might talk to other WNBA free agents at Unrivaled, Ogunbowale reiterated her stance: "I’m going to mind my business."
She noted she will revisit the recruiting question once the CBA is ratified and she has clarity on her own team destination.
Ogunbowale’s Dallas future has been in flux for some time. The Wings have publicly expressed interest in keeping her for 2026, but she had a subpar season by her standards, averaging 15.5 points on 36 percent shooting.
Complicating matters, a potential work stoppage looming over stalled CBA negotiations could shorten the 2026 season if the league and the players’ union don’t reach an agreement soon.
Given those dynamics, Ogunbowale may opt to wait and gauge how the CBA unfolds. If she does push for free-agent collaborations, there’s a real chance they won’t align with Dallas.
Beyond Dallas, current WNBA headlines include Caitlin Clark’s evolving role with Team USA ahead of 2026, A’ja Wilson’s recognition as Sporting News’ 2025 Female Athlete of the Year, and ongoing debates over revenue sharing in a new CBA. There’s also excitement around WNBA jersey unveilings and other season-defining stories awaiting your judgment and reaction in the comments.
Would you side with Ogunbowale’s cautious approach, or do you think her influence could help Dallas secure a star-studded supporting cast for 2026? Share your take below.
