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Dallas Wings sign former UConn guard from Upshot League to play in WNBA
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- Dallas Wings sign former UConn guard from Upshot League to play in WNBA
For the second time this season, the Upshot League is sending a player to the WNBA .
The Dallas Wings announced on Friday, Aug. 14, that they had signed Christyn Williams to a developmental contract. Williams, who played her college ball at UConn, joins Indiana Fever forward Michelle Onyiah as players to make the jump from the Upshot to the WNBA.
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Williams played at UConn from 2018 through 2022 and starred alongside Paige Bueckers in the backcourt for her final two seasons with the Huskies, going to the Final Four in both of those seasons. She also played one year with Azzi Fudd, and Williams will now reunite with both former Huskies teammates in Dallas.
Before going to college at UConn, the Arkansas native was the consensus National Player of the Year in high school, earning the nod from Gatorade, the WBCA, the committees that give out the Naismith and Morgan Wootten awards, and USA TODAY. Williams was also the MVP of the 2018 McDonald's All-American game.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dives for the ball while Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) knocks the ball away from Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the second half at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Connecticut Sun forward Nell Angloma (33) drives to the hoop past Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) during the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, Georgia, on Sept. 17, 2026.
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) fights for the ball with Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) and forward Chloe Bibby (55) during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 30, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) reaches for a rebound against Portland Fire forward Amy Okonkwo (8) and guard Holly Winterburn (77) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) jumps for a rebound over Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41)at Target Center on Aug. 24, 2026
(Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Portland Fire guard Holly Winterburn (77) hits the face of Phoenix Mercury guard Valeriane Ayayi (11) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 16, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor (13) blocks a shot attempt by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington (7) during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena on Aug. 10, 2026.
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) shoots the ball against LA Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Aug. 9, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots over Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) during the first half at CareFirst Arena on Aug. 7, 2026.
(Brad Mills, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
Portland Fire forward Nyadiew Puoch (13) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half at Moda Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates with guard Natasha Cloud (9) after scoring a game winning three-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) drives to basket against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Portland Fire guard Carla Leite (0) vies for a loose ball on the floor against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the first half at Moda Center on July 31, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) blocks a shot by Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center on July 12, 2026.
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) and Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) battle for the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 12, 2026
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
Portland Fire forward Emily Engstler (21) reaches for a rebound past Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) shoots past Portland Fire guard Karlie Samuelson (44) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) tries to go to the basket between Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and forward Nia Coffey (12) in the first quarter at Target Center on July 11, 2026.
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 9, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after being fouled against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 8, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) fight for the ball during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 4, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 2, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) steals the ball from Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke (7) during overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm center Awa Fam (11), Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) reach for a rebound during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates with guard Olivia Miles (5) after a play against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Jun 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center on June 11, 2026 on Portland, Oregon.
(Jaime Valdez, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots against Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Wintrust Arena on June 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands up Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo, 113-91.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) sports her signature Nike Caitlin 1 shoe while warming up Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts to hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after her three point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 13, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) battles for a loose ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) pose for a photo after a game at State Farm Arena on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) blocks the shot on Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at PeoplesBank Arena in May 30, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) looks for a reboudn with Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Anna Wintour poses for a photo with New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant after the game between the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center on Aug. 5, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries is fouled by Alanna Smith #8 of the Dallas Wings during the first half at American Airlines Center on Aug. 7, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever is fouled by DiJonai Carrington #7 of the Chicago Sky during the first half at United Center on Aug. 8, 2026 in Chicago.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier lead Fever and Lynx showdown
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dives for the ball while Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier lead Fever and Lynx showdown
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dives for the ball while Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22, 2026.
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) knocks the ball away from Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the second half at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun forward Nell Angloma (33) drives to the hoop past Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) during the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, Georgia, on Sept. 17, 2026.
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) fights for the ball with Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) and forward Chloe Bibby (55) during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 30, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) reaches for a rebound against Portland Fire forward Amy Okonkwo (8) and guard Holly Winterburn (77) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) jumps for a rebound over Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41)at Target Center on Aug. 24, 2026
(Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire guard Holly Winterburn (77) hits the face of Phoenix Mercury guard Valeriane Ayayi (11) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 16, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor (13) blocks a shot attempt by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington (7) during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena on Aug. 10, 2026.
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) shoots the ball against LA Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Aug. 9, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots over Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) during the first half at CareFirst Arena on Aug. 7, 2026.
(Brad Mills, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire forward Nyadiew Puoch (13) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half at Moda Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates with guard Natasha Cloud (9) after scoring a game winning three-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) drives to basket against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire guard Carla Leite (0) vies for a loose ball on the floor against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the first half at Moda Center on July 31, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) blocks a shot by Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center on July 12, 2026.
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) and Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) battle for the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 12, 2026
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire forward Emily Engstler (21) reaches for a rebound past Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) shoots past Portland Fire guard Karlie Samuelson (44) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) tries to go to the basket between Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and forward Nia Coffey (12) in the first quarter at Target Center on July 11, 2026.
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 9, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after being fouled against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 8, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) fight for the ball during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 4, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 2, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) steals the ball from Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke (7) during overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm center Awa Fam (11), Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) reach for a rebound during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates with guard Olivia Miles (5) after a play against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Jun 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center on June 11, 2026 on Portland, Oregon.
(Jaime Valdez, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots against Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Wintrust Arena on June 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands up Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo, 113-91.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) sports her signature Nike Caitlin 1 shoe while warming up Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts to hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after her three point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 13, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) battles for a loose ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) pose for a photo after a game at State Farm Arena on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) blocks the shot on Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at PeoplesBank Arena in May 30, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) looks for a reboudn with Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Anna Wintour poses for a photo with New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant after the game between the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center on Aug. 5, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries is fouled by Alanna Smith #8 of the Dallas Wings during the first half at American Airlines Center on Aug. 7, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever is fouled by DiJonai Carrington #7 of the Chicago Sky during the first half at United Center on Aug. 8, 2026 in Chicago.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
At UConn, the 5-foot-11 guard played on three teams that went to Final Fours and she was a three-time All-Conference selection. In 2022, she won the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award — given out annually to the nation's top shooting guard — and was voted Most Outstanding Player at the Big East Tournament. In a double-overtime win in the Elite Eight over NC State, she helped lead UConn with 21 points.
Williams has since bounced in and out of the WNBA over the past few years. She was selected 14th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2022 draft, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp that required surgery. In September 2023, Williams signed with the Phoenix Mercury but never appeared in a game. She spent the 2025 training camp with the Minnesota Lynx and then later in 2025 signed with the Wings and appeared in four games, averaging 4.3 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.
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During the offseason, Williams played professionally in Israel, averaging 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game across 11 contests.
At the launch of the Upshot League earlier this year , Williams joined the Greensboro Groove in North Carolina's Triad region. In 14 games with the Groove this season, Williams has averaged 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 33% from 3-point land. She scored a season-high 21 points in a win over the Charlotte Crown on May 25.
This opportunity for Williams is what the Upshot League was designed for : to provide players like her and Onyiah, who often get squeezed out of opportunities in the WNBA because of small roster sizes, a chance to keep playing and developing without having to go overseas during the summer. Leading the Upshot League is Donna Orender, who previously served as the president of the WNBA from 2005 to 2010. Before its season started, Orender said she viewed the Upshot as a "natural addition to the overall basketball ecosystem."
Unlike the NBA with the G-League, the WNBA doesn't have its own developmental league. The hope is the Upshot can provide players with a similar opportunity. This season, the league has teams based in Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Jacksonville, Florida. Two more teams in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland will be added next year.
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For Dallas, this developmental spot opened when it suspended the contract of Costanza Verona on Aug. 8 as she reported to the Italian national team ahead of the FIBA World Cup.
The Wings are 20-14 so far this season in Jose Fernandez's first season as head coach. They're seventh in the standings and on track to make the playoffs. Dallas faces the Indiana Fever on Friday night.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Wings sign former UConn guard from Upshot League to play in WNBA
