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How to watch Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm: KFAA airs first game of 2025

Dallas Wings -
Foto: Dallas Wings - Foto: Instagram

Basketball enthusiasts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have a reason to cheer as the Dallas Wings take on the Seattle Storm tonight at 7 p.m. at College Park Center in Arlington. This highly anticipated matchup marks the first game of the 2025 season to be broadcast for free on KFAA (Ch. 29), thanks to a new agreement with TEGNA, the parent company of WFAA and KFAA. The Wings, coming off a challenging 99-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx in their season opener, are eager to showcase their revamped roster and new coaching staff. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the team aims to rebound against a Storm squad also looking to recover from an early-season defeat.

The game is a pivotal moment for the Wings, who missed the playoffs in 2024 and underwent significant changes during the offseason. With No. 1 overall draft pick Paige Bueckers and All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale leading the charge, the team is poised to make a statement. The broadcast on KFAA ensures that fans across North Texas can watch without needing a subscription, a move that has sparked excitement among local supporters. Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s game and how to tune in:

  • Free access: KFAA (Ch. 29) is available via cable, satellite, streaming, or an HD antenna.
  • Key players: Watch Bueckers, Ogunbowale, and newcomer DiJonai Carrington in action.
  • Venue: College Park Center, hosting a sellout crowd for the second consecutive game.

The Wings’ new broadcast deal with KFAA is a game-changer for local fans, offering more than half of the team’s 2025 games for free. This partnership reflects the growing popularity of the WNBA and the Wings’ commitment to making games accessible to a wider audience. As the team takes the court tonight, all eyes will be on their performance against a familiar rival.

New broadcast era begins

The agreement between the Dallas Wings and TEGNA marks a significant shift in how fans can access WNBA games in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For the first time, KFAA (Ch. 29) will serve as the exclusive local television partner for all Wings games not aired on national television. This deal ensures that fans without cable subscriptions or premium streaming services can still catch the action. The move comes at a time when the WNBA is experiencing a surge in viewership, driven by standout rookies like Paige Bueckers and established stars like Arike Ogunbowale.

KFAA is accessible through a variety of providers, including AT&T U-verse TV, Charter Spectrum, DIRECTV, DISH, and streaming platforms like Fubo and DIRECTV Stream. For those without cable, an HD antenna offers a cost-effective way to watch. The station’s over-the-air availability has been praised by fans who value the opportunity to watch games without additional costs. This accessibility is expected to boost attendance at College Park Center, where the Wings have already drawn a sellout crowd for their season opener.

The broadcast partnership also highlights TEGNA’s commitment to promoting women’s sports in North Texas. By airing games on KFAA, the company aims to reach a broader audience, including younger fans and families. The Wings’ first game on KFAA tonight sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season, with more free broadcasts scheduled in the coming weeks.

Paige Bueckers steps into the spotlight

Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is a focal point for the Wings as they face the Storm. The former UConn star made her professional debut against the Minnesota Lynx, scoring 10 points in front of a packed College Park Center. While her performance showed flashes of brilliance, it was overshadowed by Napheesa Collier’s 34-point outburst for the Lynx. Tonight, Bueckers has a chance to shine against a Seattle team missing key players due to injuries.

Bueckers’ transition to the WNBA has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Known for her playmaking and scoring ability, she is expected to form a dynamic duo with Arike Ogunbowale, who led the Wings with 16 points in their opener. The rookie’s presence has injected new energy into the team, which struggled last season with a 0-4 record against the Storm. Her ability to handle pressure will be tested tonight as the Wings aim to avoid an 0-2 start.

The Wings’ coaching staff has emphasized Bueckers’ role as a facilitator, encouraging her to create opportunities for teammates like DiJonai Carrington and Natasha Howard. With no injuries reported on the Dallas roster, the team is at full strength, giving Bueckers ample support as she navigates her second professional game. Fans tuning in on KFAA will be eager to see how the young star performs under the bright lights of College Park Center.

Seattle Storm’s injury challenges

The Seattle Storm enter tonight’s game with their own set of challenges, primarily due to injuries to key players. Forward Katie Lou Samuelson, a versatile offensive threat, is out for the entire 2025 season after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. Similarly, guard Nika Muhl, another UConn alum, will miss the season due to an ACL injury. These absences weaken Seattle’s depth and put additional pressure on their remaining stars, such as Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor.

Despite their injuries, the Storm remain a formidable opponent. Their 4-0 sweep of the Wings last season demonstrates their ability to exploit Dallas’ weaknesses, particularly in transition defense. However, the Wings’ offseason overhaul, including the addition of Carrington and new coaching strategies, could level the playing field. Seattle’s early-season loss to the Las Vegas Aces (0-1) suggests they are still finding their rhythm, making tonight’s matchup a critical test for both teams.

The Storm’s game plan will likely focus on containing Ogunbowale and limiting Bueckers’ impact in the paint. With both teams desperate for their first win, the game promises to be a tightly contested battle. Fans watching on KFAA can expect a fast-paced, physical matchup as the Wings and Storm vie for early-season momentum.

Arike Ogunbowale’s leadership role

All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale remains the heart and soul of the Dallas Wings. Her 16-point performance against the Lynx underscored her importance to the team, even in a losing effort. Known for her clutch scoring and relentless energy, Ogunbowale is expected to lead the Wings’ offense against a depleted Storm roster. Her ability to penetrate Seattle’s defense and create open looks for teammates will be crucial.

Ogunbowale’s chemistry with newcomers like Bueckers and Carrington is still developing, but early signs are promising. The guard’s experience in high-pressure situations gives her an edge as the Wings look to rebound from their opening loss. Her matchups against Seattle’s Jewell Loyd, a fellow scoring dynamo, will be a highlight of the game, with both players capable of taking over in crunch time.

The Wings’ coaching staff has leaned on Ogunbowale to set the tone defensively as well. Her ability to pressure Seattle’s ball-handlers could disrupt the Storm’s offensive flow, especially without Samuelson and Muhl. As the face of the franchise, Ogunbowale’s performance tonight will be a key factor in determining whether Dallas can secure its first victory of the season.

DiJonai Carrington’s fresh start

DiJonai Carrington, acquired from the Connecticut Sun in an offseason trade, brings a new dimension to the Wings’ lineup. The versatile guard contributed 15 points in the season opener, showcasing her ability to score and defend multiple positions. Her arrival is part of a broader roster overhaul aimed at addressing the Wings’ struggles in 2024, when they missed the playoffs for the first time in recent years.

Carrington’s familiarity with UConn alumni like Bueckers and Natasha Howard has eased her transition to the Wings. Her defensive tenacity and ability to attack the rim complement Ogunbowale’s perimeter-oriented game. Against the Storm, Carrington will likely be tasked with guarding Seattle’s top wing players, a challenge she relished during her time with the Sun.

The guard’s energy has been a bright spot for Dallas, particularly in transition. Her ability to push the pace could exploit Seattle’s depleted roster, which lacks the depth to match the Wings’ athleticism. As fans tune in on KFAA, Carrington’s performance will be a key storyline in the Wings’ quest for a statement win.

College Park Center’s electric atmosphere

College Park Center, the Wings’ home arena in Arlington, has emerged as one of the WNBA’s most vibrant venues. The sellout crowd for the season opener against the Lynx set the stage for another packed house tonight. The arena’s intimate setting, with a capacity of 7,000, creates an intense atmosphere that players and fans alike have praised.

The Wings have made a concerted effort to engage the Arlington community, offering promotions and fan events to boost attendance. Tonight’s game, broadcast free on KFAA, is expected to draw viewers from across North Texas, further amplifying the energy at College Park Center. The arena’s proximity to the University of Texas at Arlington has also attracted a growing student fanbase, adding to the lively environment.

Fans attending the game will have access to enhanced in-arena experiences, including interactive halftime shows and player meet-and-greets. The Wings’ commitment to creating a memorable gameday experience has solidified College Park Center’s reputation as a must-visit destination for WNBA fans.

Upcoming road trip challenges

After tonight’s game, the Wings face a demanding road trip that will test their early-season resilience. Their schedule includes matchups against the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, and Connecticut Sun, all of which will be broadcast on KFAA:

  • May 21 at Minnesota Lynx: A rematch against Napheesa Collier and the Lynx at 7 p.m.
  • May 24 at Atlanta Dream: A 2 p.m. tipoff against a young, athletic Dream squad.
  • May 27 at Connecticut Sun: A 6 p.m. game against DiJonai Carrington’s former team.

The road trip presents an opportunity for the Wings to build chemistry and fine-tune their game plan. Facing tough opponents like the Lynx and Sun will provide valuable experience for rookies like Bueckers, while veterans like Ogunbowale will look to assert their leadership. The availability of these games on KFAA ensures that fans can follow the Wings’ journey without missing a beat.

The Wings’ coaching staff is focused on improving their defensive execution, particularly in the paint, where they struggled against the Lynx. The road games will also test the team’s depth, with players like Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally expected to play larger roles. As the Wings prepare for this stretch, tonight’s game against the Storm serves as a critical stepping stone.

TEGNA’s role in expanding WNBA reach

TEGNA’s partnership with the Dallas Wings is part of a broader effort to elevate women’s sports in local markets. By designating KFAA as the Wings’ exclusive local broadcast partner, TEGNA is making games accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who rely on over-the-air television. The move aligns with the WNBA’s growing popularity, as viewership for the 2024 season reached record highs.

The agreement also reflects TEGNA’s investment in North Texas, where the Wings have built a loyal fanbase. By airing games on KFAA, the company is tapping into the region’s passion for basketball while promoting the stories of players like Bueckers and Ogunbowale. The partnership has been praised by local leaders, who see it as a boost for Arlington’s economy and community pride.

TEGNA’s commitment extends beyond game broadcasts, with plans to produce exclusive Wings content, including player profiles and behind-the-scenes features. These initiatives aim to deepen fans’ connection to the team and highlight the WNBA’s role in inspiring the next generation of athletes. Tonight’s broadcast on KFAA is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative season for the Wings and their supporters.

Fan accessibility through multiple platforms

The Wings’ games on KFAA are designed to be as accessible as possible, with multiple viewing options for fans. In addition to over-the-air broadcasts, KFAA is available on major cable and satellite providers, including:

  • AT&T U-verse TV: Channel 29/1029
  • Charter Spectrum: Channel 29/1291
  • DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream: Channel 29
  • DISH: Channel 29
  • Fubo: Streaming platform with KFAA access

For cord-cutters, an HD antenna provides a free and reliable way to watch. Providers like Frontier Fiber, Grande Communications, and Optimum also carry KFAA, ensuring broad coverage across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This multi-platform approach reflects the Wings’ commitment to reaching fans of all backgrounds.

The team has also partnered with local businesses to host watch parties for away games, further engaging the community. These efforts, combined with the free broadcasts on KFAA, have made the Wings one of the most accessible teams in the WNBA. As the season progresses, the team hopes to build on this momentum and draw even larger audiences.

Historical rivalry with the Storm

The Dallas Wings and Seattle Storm have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with Seattle dominating last season’s series. The Storm’s 4-0 sweep in 2024 exposed Dallas’ struggles with perimeter defense and rebounding, issues the team has worked to address in the offseason. Tonight’s game offers a chance for the Wings to rewrite the narrative and start the 2025 series on a positive note.

Key moments from last season’s matchups include Jewell Loyd’s 30-point performance in a July 2024 game and Ezi Magbegor’s double-double in a June blowout. The Wings, however, have a new look this season, with Bueckers and Carrington adding firepower to the roster. The absence of Samuelson and Muhl could tilt the matchup in Dallas’ favor, provided they capitalize on Seattle’s limited depth.

The rivalry’s intensity is fueled by the teams’ contrasting styles, with Seattle relying on veteran leadership and Dallas embracing a youth-driven approach. Fans watching on KFAA will be treated to a clash of philosophies, as the Wings aim to prove they can compete with one of the WNBA’s perennial contenders.

Community engagement in Arlington

The Wings’ presence in Arlington extends beyond the court, with the team playing an active role in the local community. Initiatives like youth basketball clinics and school outreach programs have strengthened the Wings’ ties to North Texas. The team’s partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington has also created opportunities for student involvement, from internships to gameday promotions.

Tonight’s game is expected to draw a diverse crowd, including families, students, and longtime WNBA fans. The Wings have introduced new ticketing options, such as group discounts and season passes, to make games more affordable. These efforts have contributed to the sellout crowds at College Park Center, a testament to the team’s growing popularity.

The Wings’ community engagement extends to social media, where they share highlights, player updates, and fan contests. By broadcasting games on KFAA, the team is reaching fans who may not be able to attend in person, further expanding their impact in Arlington and beyond. As the Wings take on the Storm tonight, they carry the support of a region eager to see them succeed.