Arike Ogunbowale: A Pillar Through the Wings’ Struggles

Dallas News

Entering a New Era in Dallas

As the Dallas Wings gear up for the 2025 season, they do so with the experienced Arike Ogunbowale leading the way. Entering her seventh year as a guard for the Wings, Ogunbowale has seen her fair share of challenges and triumphs. From being the franchise’s primary offensive weapon to now sharing the spotlight with the newly acquired number one draft pick, Paige Bueckers, Ogunbowale is set to experience a season filled with promise.

A Season of Transformation

This year marks a significant change not only for the team but for Ogunbowale as well. After finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing record of 9-31, the organization is headed into a fresh start. Ogunbowale, who has always been the center of attention on the court, expresses excitement about the talent Bueckers brings to the team.

According to Ogunbowale, “It’s dope. It’s about time. Dallas has always been a great place, a great basketball city.” The shifts in the roster, including several impressive free agent signings, have injected a new life into the Wings. With the support of Bueckers, Ogunbowale feels a renewed sense of energy on and off the court.

Impressive Stats and Contributions

Ogunbowale has undoubtedly left her mark on the team over the years. During the tumultuous 2024 season, she managed to average 22.2 points per game, becoming the all-time leading scorer for the franchise. Her impressive performance earned her a spot in the All-WNBA second team.

The Wings made their way to the WNBA semifinals in 2023, showcasing Ogunbowale’s leadership capabilities. However, the journey has not always been smooth. Despite her stellar stats, the team struggled with consistency, leading to only one winning season over the past six years. Ogunbowale shows admirable loyalty, stating, “I’m a loyal person, and I want to do something that hasn’t been done. They haven’t won a championship.”

Looking Ahead: A Championship Within Reach?

With all these changes on the roster and in the management, possibilities for success appear more tangible than ever. There is newfound optimism about the Wings’ potential to compete in the upcoming season. The organization has also made strides to enhance fan engagement and experience, selling out season tickets for two consecutive years.

Ogunbowale’s excitement regarding this transformation is evident in her social media posts, where she expresses anticipation for what the coming season will bring. Her confidence is supported by wings CEO Greg Bibb, who mentions Ogunbowale as the face of the franchise, asserting, “We kind of go as she goes.”

Bibb remains hopeful, stating, “I know I can trust in Arike and I believe Arike knows she can trust in me and the Wings. That day will come when we lift a trophy here, and I’m hopeful that the trophy is being handed to Arike when that moment comes.”

A Community Connection

Beyond her on-court skills, Ogunbowale has embraced life in Dallas, making the city her home. The Wisconsin native is confident in her abilities and credits her success to her family’s support and her strong work ethic. As she juggles basketball with daily life, Ogunbowale exemplifies what it means to be both a dedicated athlete and a committed community member.

Ogunbowale’s journey with the Dallas Wings is far from over, and as 2025 unfolds, she looks forward to rewriting the narrative of the franchise. With a star-studded roster and a fanbase ready for excitement, the chapter ahead promises to be engaging and fulfilling.

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Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings, WNBA, basketball, Paige Bueckers, sports, sports news, women’s basketball, basketball veteran, Dallas sports