The Dallas Wings are heading into the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup with plenty of momentum.
Sitting at a 5-3 record, Dallas is looking to build on its strong start to the WNBA season. However, as the tournament tips off, the players have more than just a trophy on their minds.
Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale kept things transparent when asked about the tournament's $500,000 prize pool.
"No matter how much money you get, it's always good to make more money," the four-time All-Star told reporters. "So definitely, that's a motivation."
I asked Arike Ogunbowale about the cash prize as a motivator in the Commissioners Cup as well as Paige Bueckers’ debut jersey selling for more than her rookie salary:
— Melissa Triebwasser (@TheCoachMelissa) May 31, 2026
“No matter how much money you get, it’s always good to make more money.”#wingsup pic.twitter.com/VBdkokOaEQ
Dallas Opens WNBA Commissioner's Cup Campaign in Seattle
The in-season WNBA tournament gives teams some spark amid a grinding summer schedule.
Launched in 2021, the Cup has crowned a different champion every single year with a winner's circle that includes the Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and New York Liberty. Dallas now hopes to cement its place in history as the sixth franchise to hoist the trophy.
The Wings open the tournament on the road against the Seattle Storm. Dallas routed Las Vegas over the weekend, with rookie Azzi Fudd leading the team with 22 points.
With a loaded roster featuring Ogunbowale, Fudd, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, the Wings appear to be a top contender this year.
Arike Ogunbowale Commends Rookie Pay Raise
Ogunbowale also reacted to news that teammate Bueckers's game-worn debut jersey recently sold for $65,000 at an auction. That price tag was more than Ogunbowale's entire rookie salary in 2019.
Rather than showing frustration, the veteran celebrated the financial shift for newer athletes entering the league.
"Rookie contracts were really, really small," Ogunbowale said of the previous salary system.
She went on to explain that past players needed secondary jobs just to survive. Today, however, league growth has changed that narrative.
"Now, obviously, this can be your major source of income. Even without endorsements, you'll be okay with just your W contract."
WNBA Games Today: When and Where to Watch
The 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup kicks off with Wings vs. Seattle tonight at 8 PM ET, live on USA.
