The Dallas Wings are headed into another draft cycle holding the No. 1 overall pick — and nobody sounded more energized about it than forward Maddy Siegrist.
Siegrist, who represented the franchise at Sunday’s 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery on ESPN, helped deliver the Wings their second consecutive No. 1 selection, a first in team history. The order behind Dallas mirrored the odds: Minnesota at No. 2, Seattle at No. 3, Washington at No. 4 and Chicago at No. 5.
For Siegrist, the moment felt like another sign of momentum for a franchise she says is building something special.
Maddy Siegrist Embraces Dallas Wings’ Momentum
Asked what it felt like to bring home another top pick, Siegrist didn’t hide her optimism.
“Super exciting,” she said. “I mean, there’s so many exciting things going around in Dallas. Um, new coach. We’re super excited with Jose. Practice facility. Obviously a couple top picks the last few years, so we’re just super excited to bring in another great prospect.”
Her comments echoed the organization’s broader tone. The Wings added Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 pick in 2025, watched her win Rookie of the Year, and now have a chance to add another foundational piece just one year later. With a new practice facility coming, a renovated downtown arena on the way and a young roster under contract, Dallas views this as a rare alignment of opportunity and timing.
“Somebody Who Wants to Win”
With a rotation already stocked with youth, Siegrist was asked what type of player fits best with this group. Her answer was simple.
“Just somebody who’s like, wants to win,” she said. “I think, you know, we have a exciting like young group and we really like get to, you know, we really bond together. So I’m excited just to bring somebody else in.”
Siegrist knows the dynamic firsthand. Taken No. 3 overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, she has grown into a central piece of the Wings’ core and now serves as the franchise’s literal good-luck charm — having represented Dallas in both lotteries that produced consecutive No. 1 picks.
Dallas Wings Celebrate — Again
With the favorite holding its place atop the odds, Siegrist said she expected the reaction across the Metroplex to be immediate.
“I think they’re cheering,” she said. “I’m sure everybody’s super happy. Hopefully. Yeah, just can’t wait.”
Her enthusiasm matched that of new head coach Jose Fernandez, who called the result “a really special time” for the organization as it prepares for free agency, the expansion draft and one of the most flexible draft boards in years.
Curt Miller Highlights Optionality, Culture
Wings general manager Curt Miller, speaking after the lottery, said this class offers significantly more flexibility than last year’s consensus-driven field.
“Optionality is going to be key for us,” Miller said. “More trade phone calls are going to come for this number one pick than we’ve seen in years.”
He highlighted the evaluation work already underway with Fernandez and emphasized the priority of adding a high-character player who fits the team’s culture.
“We want someone who will grind day in and day out, have great character, represent us 24/7, and embrace the commitment to preparation and playing the right way,” Miller said.
Miller noted that six prospects have already “really separated” at the top of the class, a group that includes elite shooters, top-tier scorers, international talent and two interior players projected inside the top six.
A Franchise Turning a Corner
Even after a difficult 2025 season marked by injuries, Dallas believes last year’s minutes load for rookies and young players will pay dividends — especially with another No. 1 pick arriving.
“Our locker room was really together,” Miller said. “They bonded and had incredible relationships off the floor. We want to add to that chemistry and that culture.”
And Siegrist, standing at center stage during another improbable lottery outcome, made it clear she feels the same.
More Dallas Wings News & Rumors
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Win 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery Again, Positioning Franchise To Add Another Cornerstone Next To Paige Bueckers
- WNBA News: ‘This Won’t Be The Same Old Dallas Wings, My Brother’: Jose Fernandez Outlines Vision To Build Winning Culture Around Paige Bueckers
- WNBA News: Geno Auriemma Explains Confidence In Jose Fernandez As Ideal Fit For Paige Bueckers’ Dallas Wings
- WNBA News: Sources: Dallas Wings Hire USF’s Jose Fernandez As Head Coach
- WNBA News: Paige Bueckers Named To All-WNBA Second Team After Historic Rookie Year
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Break Ground On New Practice Facility In West Oak Cliff
- WNBA News: “A Great Environment”: Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale Coach Youth 3-on-3 at DICK’S House of Sport Dallas Opening
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers Wins WNBA Rookie of the Year After Historic Season
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