Wings and Aces Open Preseason with Notre Dame Homecoming for Ogunbowale, Loyd, and Young

The Dallas Wings tip off their 2025 preseason campaign on Friday, May 2, against the Las Vegas Aces at the University of Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion. Scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, the game will air nationally on ION and stream on WNBA League Pass.

The matchup carries added significance as a homecoming for three WNBA standouts who once starred at Notre Dame: Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale, and Las Vegas guards Jewell Loyd and Jackie Young. All three return to the court where they earned collegiate accolades and helped elevate the Fighting Irish program.

Dallas enters 2025 with a dramatically restructured team. Under new Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller and Head Coach Chris Koclanes, the Wings retooled their roster through free agency and the draft. Key veteran additions include NaLyssa Smith, DiJonai Carrington, Myisha Hines-Allen, and Tyasha Harris, though Harris will sit out the preseason opener due to a knee injury. The Wings also boast a highly anticipated rookie class, led by No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, along with Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly, and Aaronette Vonleh.

Las Vegas also made notable roster moves this offseason, adding experienced guards Loyd, Tiffany Mitchell, and Dana Evans, as well as forwards Crystal Bradford and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. The Aces welcome back a strong core that includes A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kiah Stokes. They also introduce promising rookies Aaliyah Nye and Harmoni Turner, both expected to debut in Friday’s contest.

Friday’s game offers fans an early look at two revamped rosters and a celebration of Notre Dame’s legacy in the WNBA.