The Dallas-Fort Worth sports scene has hit a rough patch, but help might be on the way in the form of Paige Bueckers and Cooper Flagg, who could bring new energy to a city hungry for success in 2024–25.
The NBA’s Mavericks have moved on from star Luka Dončić, the WNBA’s Wings are stuck at the bottom of the standings, and the Cowboys are still struggling to get over the playoff hump—leaving fans with little to cheer about.
But there’s a glimmer of hope. At 23, Bueckers is emerging as a bright spot and a potential turning point for Dallas sports. She’s also eager to be part of what could be a defining moment.
“Yeah, I’m planning to be there, so it’ll be fun to support them there as well,” Bueckers said, confirming her attendance at the Mavericks’ 2025 NBA Draft watch party on June 25.
Can Flagg and Bueckers transform Dallas sports?
“Yeah, that will be really cool,” Paige added about the possibility of Flagg landing in Dallas. “Obviously, it’s highly anticipated with Cooper. But again, just exciting times in Dallas for all the franchises and organizations.”
That excitement mirrors the energy Bueckers brought with her to the Wings, following a stellar college career at UConn that ended with a national championship. Now in her rookie WNBA season, she’s leading the charge for Dallas, averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting an efficient 47.2% from the field. Her breakout performance came in a 35-point outburst against the Phoenix Mercury.
On the NBA side, Cooper Flagg enters the league surrounded by comparisons to greats like Scottie Pippen, thanks to his elite two-way game. He’s seen as a potential cornerstone for a Mavericks franchise that just made a run to the NBA Finals in 2023–24.
With both Bueckers and Flagg generating buzz, Dallas sports fans are beginning to see hope for the future. All that’s left is for the Cowboys to rise to the occasion at AT\&T Stadium.
Bueckers’ next test comes on June 20 in a key matchup against the Connecticut Sun, who sit just one game ahead at 2–10. The game, held at Mohegan Sun Arena, presents a vital opportunity for the Wings to climb out of the WNBA’s basement.
