A suspension in the WCBA Finals has created a cloud of uncertainty over when, exactly, star guard Arike Ogunbowale will return to the Dallas Wings for training camp. The schedule was simple: finish the 2025–26 WCBA season, which is set to conclude on April 25, 2026, and make it back to Dallas by Monday, April 27. Well, right now, there might be a possibility of that schedule changing.

Representing Sichuan in the WCBA, the delay to Arike Ogunbowale’s return to the Dallas Wings rested on her participation in the Finals series. The deciding game, Game 5, takes place on April 25. And as a key part of the team, the expectation was that she would play. However, she picked up two technical fouls in Game 4.

So now she faces an automatic one-game suspension, which means she would miss the final game of the series. This turn of events could, of course, accelerate her return to the U.S. But that remains uncertain, as it is not yet clear whether she will choose to stay with the team for the final game or return earlier.

While WNBA, and especially Dallas Wings fans might be anticipating an earlier return, it would be understandable if she chooses to remain with the team for Game 5. It is a title-deciding game, in a team and competition that Arike Ogunbowale herself has given so much to. She is currently averaging 16.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in the playoffs.

Her performances were also crucial in helping the Sichuan Blue Whales tie the series at 2-2. Specifically, they won Games 1 and 3 of the four played so far in the series. And while she may not be able to play Game 5, she could still choose to provide the needed off-court support as the Blue Whales push to secure the title.

And even if she chooses to stay back, it wouldn’t really be too late. The Dallas Wings will not play their first preseason game until Thursday, April 30, when they face the Indiana Fever. There’s actually a chance she could still make it back for that game. And even if she does not, she’ll definitely be back for the preseason matchup against the Aces on May 3. And for sure, she will be ready to start the regular season with the team on May 9.

Of course, her allegiance still stands with the Wings. Because amidst her overseas play, Arike Ogunbowale recently signed a massive, seven-figure multi-year contract extension to remain the cornerstone of the Dallas Wings alongside 2025 No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers. So regardless of how this current situation plays out, her return to Dallas is only a matter of time.

“Arike Ogunbowale’s Loyalty to Dallas Undeniable”: GM Curt Miller Hails Franchise Star Amid Historic Contract 

Arike Ogunbowale will be playing her eighth WNBA season this year. She spent her entire WNBA career with the Dallas Wings since her draft as the fifth overall pick in 2019. And of course, the franchise did well to repay her loyalty with her latest contract extension. Specifically, she signed a historic two-year deal worth $2.44 million. She even showed a degree of loyalty in the process. She opted to take less than the $1.4 million annual supermax she was eligible for, in order to provide the team with salary cap flexibility.

Speaking on her re-signing, Wings General Manager Curt Miller expressed his excitement about having Ogunbowale back in the squad. He also described her loyalty to the franchise as undeniable. “We are so excited that Arike has chosen to return to Dallas and build upon her great legacy here,” Miller said. “Her commitment to the Wings and City of Dallas is undeniable.”

As Miller further expressed, having Ogunbowale back is something they consider a unique opportunity, and they are grateful for it. “We understand the unique opportunity we have in being able to welcome back our franchise’s all-time leading scorer. And we are so grateful for Arike’s loyalty to the Dallas Wings.”

The Dallas Wings have ended the past two seasons in losses, going 9-31 in 2024 and 10-34 in 2025. Now, with Paige Bueckers and latest draft pick Azzi Fudd, alongside Arike Ogunbowale’s veteran leadership at the forefront, the hope is that the Wings will have a turnaround this season.