Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers capped her busy offseason abroad, taking in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium — her first live Premier League match — while back home, her WNBA team prepares for sweeping changes under a new head coach.

Bueckers, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, appeared on Arsenal’s official pre-match broadcast and described the energy at Emirates as unlike anything she had experienced before.

“This is my first [Premier League match]. It’s a great field with a great crowd, and I’m just excited to be here,” Bueckers said.

The 24-year-old guard averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 36 games for the Wings, who endured a turbulent season that ended with a 10-34 record — the worst in the league. Dallas has the best odds for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft and recently parted ways with head coach Chris Koclanes after just one year.

Bueckers also reflected on the rising popularity of soccer among WNBA players and the growing ties between women’s basketball and football.

“We’re huge NWSL supporters, that’s the league that we go to games,” she said. “I’ve got a couple of friends in the league, so I think football is continuing to grow.”

Her appearance in London came as the Wings finalized their next chapter by hiring longtime University of South Florida coach Jose Fernandez. The 53-year-old brings 25 years of experience at USF, where he led the Bulls to 12 20-win seasons, 10 NCAA tournament appearances, and helped develop more than 100 professional players worldwide.

“Jose is one of the most respected veteran coaches in women’s basketball,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said. “He is a proven winner and has built sustained success for over two decades at USF. Jose consistently produces professional players and is regarded as an excellent developer of talent. ... He is known for putting his players in position to succeed.”

Fernandez said his focus will be on creating a culture built on preparation and accountability.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of excellence, approaching everything we do with elite standards and a championship mindset,” Fernandez said.

The move makes Fernandez the fifth head coach in seven seasons for Dallas, which has gone 19-45 since its last playoff series win in 2023. He will be formally introduced on Nov. 6.

While her team resets for 2026, Bueckers has been an active presence across the Dallas sports landscape. She was courtside for the Mavericks’ preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena, catching up with Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg. She also attended the Cowboys’ 38-17 victory over Washington at AT&T Stadium during her birthday weekend, exchanging jerseys with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in a viral moment shared across social media.

Bueckers’ local stops have extended to college football as well. She made appearances at the Cotton Bowl Classic and TCU home games this fall, drawing attention from fans and broadcasters alike. Beyond football, she attended the Dallas Trinity FC State Fair Clásico, where her engagement with players and supporters underscored her growing connection to North Texas sports culture.

From London’s Emirates Stadium to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Bueckers continues to bridge her influence across multiple sports — embodying the visibility and versatility that have made her one of the WNBA’s most recognizable young stars.