DHJ Quick Take: Expanding the Roster Through New CBA Rules
- The New Roster Layer: The addition of Costanza Verona and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu marks the first time the Wings are utilizing the league’s new Developmental Player designation. This setup allows Dallas to keep two high-caliber pros in the building to practice and travel without counting against the 12-player salary cap.
- Familiarity in the Frontcourt: Rejuvenating the connection between Jose Fernandez and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu adds continuity to the bench. Having played for Fernandez at South Florida, Mendjiadeu understands the defensive energy and rebounding expectations he demands, making her a reliable option to plug into the rotation for up to 12 games.
- The Schio Connection: Costanza Verona’s arrival strengthens the team’s chemistry, as she spent the last year playing alongside Jessica Shepard in Italy. That established point guard-to-center rapport is a significant advantage for a roster that is still integrating several late-arriving veterans.
- Insurance for a Long Season: With injuries already a topic of discussion during this week’s practice, these developmental slots provide immediate security. Both players have significant professional experience—Verona in the EuroLeague and Mendjiadeu in the EuroCup—ensuring there is no drop-off in intensity during team sessions.
- Strategic Depth: While the core rotation is set with stars like Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, having players of Verona and Mendjiadeu’s caliber available to be activated provides Fernandez with tactical flexibility depending on matchups or health throughout the 2026 campaign.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings have signed guard Costanza Verona and forward/center Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu to Developmental Player contracts. The team announced the moves on Wednesday, ahead of Friday’s regular-season opener at the Indiana Fever.
Both players were among the six waived Sunday when Dallas trimmed its training camp roster to 12. They cleared waivers and returned under the league’s new developmental designation. Both joined camp late this spring after finishing overseas seasons.
The Developmental Player designation is new this season under the 2026 collective bargaining agreement. Teams can now carry up to two such players outside their standard 12-player roster. Neither slot counts against the salary cap. The contracts work similarly to NBA two-way deals. Players can practice and travel with the team but may only be activated for up to 12 games each.
“We had 18 players at training camp, and now you’re down to 12, and soon you’re gonna add two as developmental players,” Wings head coach Jose Fernandez said this week. “But it’s finding the right balance and making sure — and also the late arrivals — and making sure that they were prepared on what we implemented on both sides of the basketball, on paper and on film.”
Jose Fernandez Reunites With Former South Florida Standout
Fankam Mendjiadeu played for Fernandez at South Florida, where she was named AAC Co-Player of the Year in 2023 after averaging 16.5 points and 10.3 rebounds. The Seattle Storm took her No. 21 overall in that year’s draft. She spent parts of two seasons in Seattle before going overseas full time. With Crvena zvezda this past season, she averaged 15.6 points and 11.0 rebounds in EuroCup Women play and helped the club win the Serbian Cup.
“We always had a good relationship, to be honest,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “He’s really been helping me. He’s really been confident in me. So just having the chance to play with him again, I feel like it was meant to be because honestly, he was one of the first coaches who pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, trying new things and all that.”
Fankam Mendjiadeu made her preseason debut against Indiana, where she scored 8 points on 4-of-7 shooting and pulled down 3 rebounds in just under 12 minutes off the bench. The established frontcourt rotation in Dallas runs through Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, and Li Yueru.
“I would say I bring my energy, also my defense and rebounding,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “That’s really what I’m known for. So I’m hoping they will trust me enough to do all that.”
Costanza Verona Brings EuroLeague And Italy National Team Experience
Verona arrives from Beretta Famila Schio, where she helped the club reach the Italian Serie A1 Women’s Finals this season. In EuroLeague Women play, she averaged 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. She has also been a regular for Italy’s national team, helping the program qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
“I’m very aggressive, and I try to play smart,” Verona told Dallas Hoops Journal. “I try to help my teammates and know the weaknesses of the other team. I always try to be the brain on the court.”
Verona and Shepard were teammates at Schio this past season.
“For sure, she’s a great player,” Verona told Dallas Hoops Journal of Shepard. “We played together for one year and, obviously, as a point guard and center, we had a very good connection. So I hope here on the court we’re going to show that and give something to the team to help win.”
The Wings’ set backcourt rotation runs Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Azzi Fudd, Odyssey Sims, JJ Quinerly, and Aziaha James. Maddy Siegrist and Alysha Clark fill out the wing rotation.
Up Next
The Wings open the 2026 regular season Friday, May 9, against the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT.
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