During the recent game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Li Yueru suffered a severe knee injury, which, after various tests, was confirmed to be an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain. Her presence on Chris Koclanes’ team will be officially ruled out moving forward.

The news was confirmed by the franchise through their official X account (formerly Twitter), where they announced this significant loss during one of the most crucial stages of the season.

“Li Yueru will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain in her left knee. Yueru sustained the injury against the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 15. Yueru is expected to make a full recovery. Additional updates will be provided when appropriate.”

After joining the Wings following a trade request from the Seattle Storm, she averaged 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game across 22 games played since the trade.

A difficult season for the Wings

Despite an exciting start, the Dallas Wings have struggled to maintain momentum, now finding themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. With a disappointing 9-26 record, the team has faced significant challenges throughout the season.

Their playoff hopes have faded as they’ve battled injuries and inconsistent performances. The focus for the remainder of the season is on player development and building a foundation for a stronger campaign next year.

What’s next for the Wings?

• vs Los Angeles Sparks, August 20
• vs Seattle Storm, August 22
• vs Golden State Valkyries, August 24
• vs Connecticut Sun, August 27
• vs Atlanta Dream, August 29

This has had its consequences, as although no official statement has been made regarding any fine imposed on one of Stephanie White’s key players, she has been previously penalized for similar incidents.

Last Friday, ahead of the game where her team ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Sparks, Bueckers was questioned by the press about the recent dispute. One of this season’s most talented rookies was unequivocal in her response.

“Everyone is entitled to their own unique personal opinion,” the Wings’ top star firmly responded.

Cunningham’s harsh criticism of Bueckers

Sophie Cunningham had a heated exchange with Paige Bueckers during their recent matchup. Hours later, Cunningham took to her social media to strongly criticize the officiating she faces every time she plays.

While one of this season’s standout players for the Indiana Fever openly expressed admiration for her Wings counterpart’s game, she also voiced strong dissatisfaction with how officials protect her during games—a treatment she considers to be unequal.

Although no official statement has been made regarding a potential sanction against Cunningham for her comments, the situation caused unrest within the Dallas facilities, where many do not believe Bueckers receives special treatment from the referees.

Lindsey Cunningham stands up for Sophie

The potential severe injury suffered by Sophie Cunningham this afternoon during her team’s victory over the Sun prompted an immediate reaction from her sister Lindsey, who took to social media to criticize WNBA officials and referees for failing to protect their star players.

In a message posted on her X account, the sister of one of the Fever’s stars expressed her dissatisfaction after watching the video of Sophie visibly injured as she fell to the court.

The intensity with which the officiating crew called certain plays involving one of Stephanie White’s key players was clearly not the same as how similar actions by Bueckers were judged — or at least that’s how Cunningham saw it in the days following the game.

While the former Phoenix Mercury player admitted to being a fan of Paige Bueckers’ game, she also firmly stated that officials tend to grant the rookie certain concessions because of her talent and what she represents in the WNBA.

“I love Paige to death,” Cunningham said during her latest ‘Show Me Something’ episode. “Do not get me wrong. I think she’s a helluva player and would love to play with her one day. But those refs were giving her every freakin’ whistle last night. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her. That (expletive) is so annoying to me. And if you’re gonna do that, then give it to our guards. I just hate the inconsistency.

“We know she’s a good rookie, and she’s gonna get some whistles. But like, to get the treatment she got last night was crazy. Crazy. She’s gonna be one of those players, she’s already gonna be a GOAT, she’s gonna be a Hall of Famer. Everyone knows it. She’s a freakin’ helluva player. But getting some of those whistles already? Oh my. I couldn’t.”

Still battling without Clark

With the final stretch of the WNBA season underway, the Indiana Fever are navigating a pivotal period without their star, Caitlin Clark. While the team has faced challenges in her absence, a veteran leader has emerged to carry the load: Sophie Cunningham.

The versatile guard has become one of the team’s brightest spots, providing consistent scoring and a competitive edge that has helped keep the Fever in the hunt. Under the guidance of head coach Stephanie White, Indiana is leaning on Cunningham to be the backbone of the offense as they fight for a crucial playoff spot and look to build momentum ahead of the postseason.

What’s next for the Fever?

As the most crucial stretch of the season unfolds, these are the upcoming games Indiana must face to stay in the hunt in the Eastern Conference.

• vs Washington Mystics, August 15
• vs Connecticut Sun, August 17
• vs Minnesota Lynx, August 22
• vs Minnesota Lynx, August 24
• vs Seattle Storm, August 26

The WNBA’s injury woes continue to pile up. After stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have already missed time due to injuries, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers became the latest to face a scare during Tuesday night’s matchup between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty.

Bueckers briefly left the court in the second half after feeling tightness in her back. While it caused concern among Wings fans, the 22-year-old guard later downplayed the issue, explaining she was just being cautious. “I was just dribbling the ball and just felt a tightness come along,” Bueckers told reporters postgame, per ESPN. “It’s day-to-day. I’m hoping it won’t take me out. Just get some treatment, get some rest.”

The former UConn star returned in the fourth quarter after stretching and receiving massage gun treatment on the bench. Despite the discomfort, she managed to finish the game with an impressive 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in Dallas’ 85–76 loss.

“It’s just a pulled muscle. I felt a strain, felt it tighten, so am just getting it worked out,” Bueckers said, adding that the flare-up felt totally “random” and occurred mid-dribble. For now, it doesn’t appear to be something that will sideline her long-term.

Bueckers has already missed five games this season, most recently on June 28 due to a knee issue. Despite the setbacks, she leads Dallas in points (18.5 per game), and assists (5.5).

WNBA stars struggling with injuries

Meanwhile, the league continues to deal with a string of injuries to some of its biggest names. Clark has been sidelined for 15 games due to various muscle injuries, while Angel Reese is also managing a back issue of her own.

Napheessa Collier and Breanna Stewart have also struugled with injuries. It’s been a tough year physically for many of the league’s rising stars, and the trend is raising questions about player workload and scheduling.

The reigning WNBA champions, the Aces, now sit at 17-7 after dismantling the Wings 106-80 behind another dominant performance from MVP A’ja Wilson. Dallas was short-handed in that game and struggled to keep pace, especially without the impact of Bueckers on the court.

While Dallas waits for clarity on Bueckers, the Liberty are dealing with a major absence of their own. Two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star Breanna Stewart will not suit up for New York after suffering a lower leg injury earlier this week against the Los Angeles Sparks. Although an MRI showed no significant damage and she’s expected to stay with the team on this road trip, Stewart’s absence is a massive blow for the Liberty.

The Wings will need to take advantage of the hole left by Stewart’s absence. That starts with attacking the paint and getting production from their guards. A healthy and productive Bueckers would be a major boost as Dallas looks to bounce back in front of their home fans.

Is Paige Bueckers available?

The Dallas Wings released their injury report Monday afternoon, and Bueckers is not listed—meaning she is expected to be active for the game against New York. The only players listed as out are Ty Harris (left knee) and Maddy Siegrist (right knee). In addition, Myisha Hines-Allen is set to return after missing Sunday’s game with a lower leg injury.

Bueckers was sidelined on Sunday as a precaution due to patellar tendinitis. With Dallas scheduled to play four games in six days, the coaching staff opted to rest their young guard to manage her workload and avoid long-term setbacks.

The Wings will welcome her return to the lineup. Bueckers last appeared in Thursday’s win over the Golden State Valkyries, scoring 17 points in 37 minutes. While Dallas hopes to maximize her production, they’ll need to carefully monitor her minutes moving forward.

What about the Liberty?

Sabrina Ionescu is coming off arguably her best performance of the season. She poured in 30 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals during Saturday night’s narrow loss to the Sparks. With Stewart sidelined early in that game, Ionescu stepped up and carried the offensive load, proving once again just how essential she is to New York’s success.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark dominated headlines last season, setting multiple records in her rookie campaign. Now, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is making her own mark in the WNBA, surpassing one of Clark’s records during the Wings’ recent 87-63 victory over Seattle Storm.

According to the Wings, Bueckers tied Clark as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 points and 100 assists, accomplishing the feat in just 19 games. Other WNBA legends like Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Andrea Stinson, Shannon Johnson, and Sue Bird, needed 22 games to record the same numbers.

During the match, the Wings were trailing by two points at halftime. However, they took control in the second half, outscoring Seattle 53-27 to secure the win. Bueckers played a key role in the win, finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal, and a block in 27 minutes.

She shot 5-for-11 from the field and recorded a +19 plus-minus, contributing heavily during the team’s most effective stretches. Heading into Tuesday’s game, Paige Bueckers was posting averages of 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per contest.

Fresh off her debut in the WNBA All-Star Game, the rookie guard has stood out despite the Dallas Wings‘ challenges in the standings. Her consistent performances have positioned her as a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors.

Clark and Bueckers are building a rivalry

Clark and Bueckers—the past two No. 1 overall picks—have already built an early rivalry. Their most recent head-to-head came on July 13, when Clark’s Fever defeated the Wings 102-83. Clark recorded 14 points, 13 assists, 5 steals, 3 rebounds, and a block, while Bueckers led all scorers with 21 points and added 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

Bueckers was recently named a starter in the WNBA All-Star Game, while Clark missed the event due to a groin injury. The Wings continue their road trip on Friday, July 25, when they face the Golden State Valkyries.

Paige Bueckers’ arrival in Dallas marked one of the most anticipated debuts in recent WNBA history. Drafted first overall by the Wings, the UConn standout is stepping into a league eager to see her impact on and off the court.

Her contract now puts numbers to the hype. As a rookie under the WNBA’s pay scale, her salary reveals both the promise and the limitations of what top draft picks earn in their first seasons at the professional level.

Yet her value extends far beyond her league paycheck. With endorsements, partnerships, and new ventures already in motion, the financial story surrounding the young guard is just starting to unfold in Dallas.

What is Paige Bueckers’ salary with Dallas Wings?

Paige Bueckers’ rookie year with the Dallas Wings comes with a salary of $78,831, as laid out by the WNBA’s standard pay scale for top draft picks. It may seem modest for a No. 1 overall pick, but it reflects the league’s structured rookie income framework.

Over the first three seasons, she will earn approximately $247,688—escalating each year—to reach a total of $348,198 if Dallas exercises its fourth‑year team option. That final year payout nudges her salary into six‑figure territory.

While WNBA pay remains tightly controlled, her income story doesn’t end here. She also holds a high-value deal with Unrivaled, a 3×3 league where her first-year salary alone reportedly exceeds her entire four-year total—shifting the optics on her economic impact dramatically.

Paige Bueckers’ contract: How long will she be with Dallas Wings?

Following her selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the April 2025 WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers inked a three‑year rookie‑scale contract with the Dallas Wings, carrying a team option for a fourth year in 2028.

Her deal guarantees league‑set salaries for 2025–27, with the team holding decision power on the 2028 season. If exercised, that fourth year kicks her earnings up to $100,510, and brings her overall contract value to $348,198.

Under WNBA rules, rookie contracts are tied to current collective bargaining terms—meaning her deal remains fixed even as a new CBA is negotiated. Unless Dallas waives her or opts not to pick up the final year, she is expected to stay through 2028.

Her impressive numbers so far in her rookie season earned her the chance to take part in an event like this, giving her the opportunity to share the court with some of the best players in the league today.

In a recent conversation with the media, Bueckers spoke about her presence in Indianapolis, expressing gratitude for the privilege to be part of such a major event alongside the top talent in the WNBA.

“Just excitement. gratitude to be in positions and being surrounded with the best players in the world and just to be in this environment…Just trying to get a win, whatever happens,” she said per reporter Terrika.

This season marks Bueckers’ inaugural selection to the All-Star team. Across 18 appearances, she posted averages of 18.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Her shooting percentages stood at 44.9% from the field (including 32.8% from three-point range) and an impressive 84.4% from the free-throw line.

Improving the Wings’ season

The Dallas Wings are struggling in 2025, sitting last in the Western Conference with a 6-17 record. While rookie Paige Bueckers has been a standout star, proving her elite talent from day one, the team as a whole needs significant improvement.

To escape the bottom, Dallas must enhance various aspects of its play. This includes developing a more cohesive offensive strategy beyond individual performances and strengthening their defense to reduce opponent scoring. Overall, the Wings need to build better team chemistry and make more consistent plays to climb the standings.

Upcoming tests for the Wings

With the main goal of improving their underwhelming season so far, here are the next five games the team, coached by Chris Koclanes, will face.

• Seattle Storm – July 22nd
• Golden State Valkyries – July 25th
• Las Vegas Aces – July 27th
• New York Liberty – July 28th
• Atlanta Dream – July 30th

The latest reports highlight the notable absences of both Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington from this weekend’s practice, as both players are dealing with different injuries. As a result, Chris Koclanes could once again be without two of his top players heading into the upcoming game.

The news was reported by WNBA insider Joey Mistretta, who shared via his official account on X (formerly Twitter) this minor setback the Wings will have to deal with heading into the week.

“Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington did not practice today,” the insider reported via @JoeyMistretta_.

What injuries are Carrington and Ogunbowale dealing with?

The Dallas Wings face significant challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries. Arike Ogunbowale, a critical offensive force, is currently dealing with a thumb issue, which has already led to one missed game and is likely to result in another. Her absence undoubtedly impacts the team’s scoring prowess.

Adding to the Wings’ injury woes, Carrington remains sidelined due to a persistent knee issue. She hasn’t featured for the team since their mid-June clash against her former club, the Connecticut Sun, missing a significant stretch of games. Her ongoing recovery means the Dallas squad continues to navigate contests without a key contributor on the court.

These concurrent health setbacks mean the Wings are operating without several core members of their roster, placing increased pressure on the remaining healthy players to perform at a high level, such as Paige Bueckers. The coaching staff faces the difficult task of adjusting strategies and rotations to compensate for the significant talent unavailable.

What’s next for the Wings?

• vs Phoenix Mercury, July 7th
• vs Chicago Sky, July 9th
• vs Indiana Fever, July 13th
• vs Las Vegas Aces, July 16th
• vs Seattle Storm, July 22nd

In the end, the Indiana Fever got a much-needed 94-86 victory, but fans were disappointed because they didn’t get to see this clash between two rising stars of the league. However, Fever’s coach, Stephanie White, said they had to do what was best for Caitlin.

“I’m sorry for the people. I think I feel a disappointment for them, more than anything, because I want them to see her at her best and us at her best. I hate that for fans, but, at the same time, for us as a team and for Caitlin as a person and player, her health and wellness is the priority.”

How serious is Caitlin Clark’s injury?

Caitlin Clark’s left groin injury has been classified as day-to-day by the Indiana Fever. Since her college career, the star had not missed any games, but this WNBA season has been different. This was the update from Stephanie White.

“We just want to make sure we’re hyper sensitive to the big picture. She’s a quick healer and she’s been doing everything she can to get back on the floor. Anybody who’s had some of these types of injuries understands that sometimes it’s a process.”

At the moment, it is unknown whether Clark will be ready to play in the Commissioner’s Cup Final next Tuesday, when the Fever face the Minnesota Lynx.

The former UConn Huskies player was sidelined for the game in which her team ultimately defeated the Washington Mystics 79-71. After speaking with the press, the Wings’ coach remains optimistic about having his star player available for the next matchup.

“Just precautionary, some soreness. Just doing our due diligence and managing what’s best for her long-term health,” the head coach stated via the insider @JoeyMistretta_.

Despite her youth and being a rookie in the league, Bueckers has proven to be on par with her teammates and is one of the standout players in this challenging campaign for Dallas, which currently holds a losing record of 5 wins and 13 losses, sitting in last place in the Western Conference.

Other key returns for the Wings

With the primary goal of continuing their winning streak in what has been an uphill season for Dallas, it will be crucial to keep the entire roster available and, of course, in top physical condition.

The anticipated return of Paige Bueckers for the upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury this Thursday is joined by the comebacks of Luisa Geiselsoder and Teaira McCowan, who had been representing their countries, Germany and Turkey respectively, in the EuroBasket.

Additionally, Koclanes addressed the situation of DiJonai Carrington — who is dealing with a rib injury: “Unique, just being extremely cautious and trusting our medical team,” the HC said. “But encouraged that she will be back on the floor sooner than you think.”

Dallas’ upcoming games

• vs Phoenix Mercury, July 3rd
• vs Phoenix Mercury, July 7th
• vs Chicago Sky, July 9th
• vs Indiana Fever, July 13th
• vs Las Vegas Aces, July 16th