History of Dallas Wings in Timeline

The Dallas Wings are a professional women's basketball team in the WNBA, representing the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They are part of the Western Conference and owned by a group headed by chairman Bill Cameron, with Greg Bibb as president and CEO. Brad Hilsabeck joined the ownership group in March 2019. The Wings are a prominent sports franchise in the region.

1998: Shock Began Play

In 1998, the Shock, one of the first WNBA expansion teams, began play with a mix of rookies and veterans.

1998: Team Founded as Detroit Shock

In 1998, the team was founded in Auburn Hills, Michigan, as the Detroit Shock, marking its entry into the WNBA season.

2002: Rumors of Shock Folding

After an awful 2002 season, rumors arose that the Shock would fold, but coach Bill Laimbeer convinced the owners to keep the team.

2003: Shock Win WNBA Championship

In 2003, the Shock finished with a 25-9 record and defeated the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA Finals, becoming the first team in league history to go from last place to champions in one season.

2006: Shock Win WNBA Championship

In 2006, the Detroit Shock won the WNBA championship over the Sacramento Monarchs.

2007: Shock Lose WNBA Finals

In 2007, the Detroit Shock lost to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals.

2008: Shock Win WNBA Championship

In 2008, the Detroit Shock won the WNBA championship over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

October 15, 2009: Official Request to Join the League

On October 15, 2009, an investment group in Tulsa, led by Nolan Richardson as potential general manager and head coach, officially requested to join the WNBA.

October 20, 2009: Relocation to Tulsa Announced

On October 20, 2009, it was announced at a press conference with WNBA President Donna Orender, lead investors, and local officials that the Detroit Shock would relocate to Tulsa.

January 23, 2010: Team Name and Colors Announced

On January 23, 2010, the franchise announced that the team would remain as the Shock but their colors were changed to black, red, and gold.

2010: Move to Tulsa

In 2010, the Detroit Shock relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, becoming the Tulsa Shock.

July 20, 2015: Move to Arlington Announced

On July 20, 2015, Bill Cameron announced that the franchise would move to Arlington for the 2016 WNBA season.

July 23, 2015: Relocation Approved

On July 23, 2015, WNBA league owners unanimously approved the Tulsa Shock's relocation to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

November 2, 2015: Team Renamed Dallas Wings

On November 2, 2015, at a press conference at College Park Center, the team was announced to be renamed the Dallas Wings.

April 14, 2016: Uniforms Revealed

On April 14, 2016, the Dallas Wings uniforms were revealed at the First Annual Wings Draft Party; the light uniforms were lime green, and the dark uniforms were blue. Due to a league-wide initiative, no white uniforms were unveiled.

2016: Move to Arlington

In 2016, the franchise moved to Arlington for the WNBA season.

March 2019: Brad Hilsabeck Joins Ownership Group

In March 2019, Brad Hilsabeck became part of the Dallas Wings ownership group by acquiring Mark Yancey's stake in the team.

2025: KFAA-TV Broadcasts Majority of Games

Currently, KFAA-TV broadcasts the majority of Wings games. Prior to 2025, Bally Sports Southwest or Bally Sports Southwest Plus broadcast the majority of games.