Wings' New Home: A Temporary Solution for Future Seasons
Anticipated Shift to American Airlines Center for 2027 Season
According to recent statements, the Dallas Wings are making arrangements to host their 2027 games at the American Airlines Center, the current home of the Dallas Mavericks. This announcement was made by the team's head coach, Jose Fernandez, who expressed confidence in the planned relocation for the upcoming season's games. The move signifies a significant, albeit temporary, change in venue as the franchise navigates facility-related setbacks.
Ongoing Facility Delays Impacting Team Operations
The decision to utilize the American Airlines Center stems from persistent delays in the completion of the Wings' new state-of-the-art training facility and the extensive renovations at the Dallas Memorial Auditorium. These projects, initially slated for completion before the 2026 season, have encountered unexpected hurdles, prompting the need for an alternative playing location. The ongoing construction issues have necessitated a revised timeline for the team's long-term home.
Coach's Vision for the Upcoming Seasons
Head Coach Fernandez affirmed that the team's training camp for the next year would commence at their new practice facility as scheduled. He also reiterated the expectation that all home games for the 2027 season would be held at the American Airlines Center. This confirms the team's operational plan to ensure continuity despite the external infrastructure challenges. The coach's remarks provide clarity on the immediate future of the team's logistical arrangements.
Executive Insights on Venue Negotiations and Approvals
Contrary to the coach's definitive statement, Greg Bibb, CEO and managing partner of the Dallas Wings, indicated that while negotiations for playing at the American Airlines Center are in advanced stages, a formal agreement has not yet been finalized. Furthermore, Bibb emphasized that the team still requires official approval from the WNBA to proceed with a venue change for an entire season. This highlights the regulatory steps that must be completed before the move can be made official.
Revised Timelines for New Training and Game Facilities
The grand opening of both the new practice facility and the extensively remodeled Memorial Auditorium has been significantly postponed. The new $81 million training complex is now projected to open in the spring of 2027, a year later than initially planned. Similarly, the 8,400-seat Memorial Auditorium, intended as the team's permanent home arena, will not be ready to host games until 2028. These revised schedules mean continued reliance on temporary venues.
Game Venue Arrangements for the 2026 Season
For the 2026 season, the majority of the Dallas Wings' home games are scheduled to take place at the 7,000-seat College Park Center in Arlington. Additionally, a select number of three games this season will be held at the larger 20,000-seat American Airlines Center. These specific matchups include games against the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever, and the Golden State Valkyries, strategically utilizing the larger venue for key events. This arrangement follows a pattern from the 2025 season, where the team played two games at the American Airlines Center, both against the Indiana Fever.
