The WNBA is on the brink of a pivotal moment, and Paige Bueckers isn’t waiting around to see how it unfolds. While fans and players are biting their nails over the absence of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the WNBPA and the league, Bueckers is already setting her sights on the 2026 season with unwavering optimism. In a recent interview with Elle, the basketball phenom confidently declared, 'Yes, there’ll be a season. We’re going to figure it out.' But here’s where it gets intriguing: Bueckers isn’t just brushing off the CBA concerns—she’s doubling down on the idea that the league’s momentum is too strong to stall. 'Everybody wants to capitalize on it,' she added, leaving no room for doubt in her mind. Is she right, or is she overlooking the complexities of the situation?
Bueckers’ focus isn’t just on the league’s future—it’s on her team, the Dallas Wings, who are undergoing a transformative phase. With a brand-new coaching staff led by Jose Fernandez, the Wings are poised for a fresh start. 'We have a foundation, a core, and now new leadership,' Bueckers noted, her excitement palpable. 'It’s going to be exciting to see how we grow under their guidance.' And this is the part most people miss: the Wings aren’t just rebuilding—they’re reloading. For the second year in a row, they’ve secured the No. 1 draft pick, with names like Olivia Miles, Awa Fam, and Bueckers’ former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd in the mix. Could this be the year the Wings finally turn their fortunes around?
Bueckers’ relationship with Fernandez is already off to a strong start. 'We’ve met a few times, grabbed dinner, and talked shop,' she shared. 'He’s got a clear vision for the team, and I’m all in.' But here’s the controversial part: Fernandez isn’t just aiming for improvement—he’s gunning for a championship. Bold words for a team that finished dead last in the 2025 season. Is this a realistic goal, or is Fernandez setting himself up for a fall? With 25 years of coaching experience at the University of South Florida and a close friendship with Bueckers’ former coach, Geno Auriemma, Fernandez certainly has the credentials. But turning the Wings into contenders won’t be easy.
As the Wings move forward, one thing is clear: Bueckers is the heart of this team’s revival. Her confidence, coupled with Fernandez’s vision and the team’s high-potential draft picks, has fans buzzing. But the question remains: Can the Wings rise from the ashes, or will their struggles persist? Bueckers thinks they’ll figure it out—but what do you think? Let’s hear it in the comments!
