DHJ Quick Take: The Survival of the Fittest

The Logistical Headache: Curt Miller described the offseason as “relentless,” and that energy carries into camp. With at least five players arriving late due to international duties—including Costanza Verona—the early days of camp will require Jose Fernandez to install his new system with a revolving door of personnel.

International Pedigree: The fact that Costanza Verona is arriving mid-Scudetto finals and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu is coming off a Serbian Cup title shows the level of talent Dallas is bringing in just for backups. This isn’t a “look-see” camp; it’s a EuroLeague-caliber environment.

The “Never Done” Mentality: Miller’s comment that the roster is “never done” signals to the 21 women in Arlington that complacency is not an option. Expect a highly physical camp where defensive versatility and “terminological” quickness determine who makes the flight to Indiana on May 9.

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings open training camp as early as April 19 with a large and talent-rich group — and one of the most complicated logistics challenges the organization has ever navigated.

Dallas has assembled over 20 players for training camp. Under the new CBA, WNBA teams are required to carry a mandatory minimum of 12 players on their regular season roster, with the option to add up to 2 developmental spots. That means potentially eight players currently in the Dallas training camp pool will not remain with the organization, making this one of the most competitive camps possible.

Adding to the complexity, sources tell Dallas Hoops Journal that at least five players are expected to arrive late due to international obligations and immigration procedures, with between 16 and 17 players anticipated in Dallas on day one of camp.

General manager Curt Miller acknowledged the situation Monday night after the draft.

“Some international players will arrive late, so we’re continuing to work even after this call,” Miller said. “It’s still not done — we’re trying to get players to training camp as soon as we get off this call. It’s been relentless work.”

The Full Dallas Wings Training Camp Roster

Here is every player expected in Dallas for training camp:

Guards

Additionally, ESPN reported Odyssey Sims is another player the Wings are signing for training camp. However, the move has not been made official yet, but Dallas Hoops Journal will have updates as they come.

Wings

Bigs

The Roster Math

With over 20 players competing for 12 guaranteed spots — and potentially two developmental slots — Dallas faces a significant roster crunch before the May 9 opener against the Indiana Fever.

The Wings’ established core of Bueckers, Fudd, Ogunbowale, Smith, Shepard, Maddy Siegrist, James, Quinerly, Berger, Kuier, Li Yueru, and Rayah Marshall accounts for 12 players on its own — meaning every training camp invitee is competing for developmental spots or attempting to displace a returner.

Who’s Expected to Arrive Late

It ultimately remains to be seen who will be among the late arrivals. However, Dallas did target various international players who could be in that position. For example, Italian national team point guard Costanza Verona is still competing in the Italian Scudetto finals with EuroLeague powerhouse Schio.

Verona addressed the timeline directly in a recent interview with Italian outlet Pianeta Basket.

“The sooner I arrive, the more time I’ll have to earn my place in the team,” Verona said.

Immigration procedures add another layer of complexity for international players joining an American professional roster on a compressed timeline. The Wings’ offseason has unfolded under an unusually condensed schedule — a byproduct of the new CBA being finalized late, pushing free agency, the expansion draft, and the WNBA Draft into a matter of days.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the logistical complexity, Miller and head coach Jose Fernandez expressed confidence in the process Monday night.

“It’s going to take time — there are a lot of new parts, new terminology, and a new style — but with some grace, I’m excited to see where this team is in July and beyond,” Miller said.

Fernandez was characteristically direct about expectations.

“I was brought here to win, and that’s what I plan to do,” Fernandez said.

And as for whether the roster is truly finished?

“Never done. Never done. Never done,” Miller said.

The Wings start the regular season on the road against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 9, at 12 p.m. CT.