ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces will open their preseasons with a head-to-head matchup at Notre Dame on Friday. Paige Bueckers is expected to make her Wings debut in the game, and she will have the opportunity to play against the best player in the WNBA in A'ja Wilson.

On Thursday after practice, Bueckers shared her thoughts on the three-time WNBA MVP.

“One of the best players in the league,” Bueckers told reporters. “In the MVP race every single year, could win it every single year. Just so skilled. You can tell she has such a great work ethic. She gets better every single year… Yeah, she's a problem.”

Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is already among the most popular players in the league. Wilson is also in that conversation, of course. Additionally, Wilson happens to be the best overall player in the WNBA.

Wings head coach Chris Koclanes knows Wilson causes “all sorts of problems” as an opponent.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Wings News
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.
Wings dealt another injury blow for Sky game after Paige Bueckers updateJoey Mistretta ·
Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) plays defense against Dallas Wings guard Tyasha Harris (52) during the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
Wings guard joins Paige Bueckers on injury report vs. SkyJoey Mistretta ·
Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) returns the ball against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Wings’ DiJonai Carrington blasts WNBA referee for requesting ‘security’ during ‘civil conversation’Joey Mistretta ·
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the first half against the Seattle Storm at College Park Center.
Wings’ Paige Bueckers placed in concussion protocol, gets injury timelineJoey Mistretta ·
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) is seen during the first half against the Chicago Sky at the Wintrust Arena.
Unacceptable Paige Bueckers concern surfaces during Wings-Sky gameJoey Mistretta ·
May 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) warms up before the game between the Wings and the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Arike Ogunbowale’s historic game spoiled by Wings’ loss vs. SkyJoey Mistretta ·

“(Wilson causes) all sorts of problems,” Koclanes said. “It will be a fun opportunity… It's fun finding that balance of focusing on us this early. There's lots of things, we can't be too focused on others right now. But it also gives us a cool opportunity to try out some different things defensively and play against the best player in the world.”

As the preseason begins, the Wings are preparing to make a number of difficult decisions. Dallas is looking to find out what lineups work best together. The team also will try to decide their starters throughout the preseason. Additionally, the Wings will need to make cuts. The focus is on their roster right now.

However, Koclanes believes playing against Wilson and the Aces will present the Wings with a “cool opportunity” to work on various elements of the game.

The Wings and Aces will play on Friday night at 7 PM EST.