June 11, 2023
Sights and sounds from the Dallas Wings’ annual Pride Night
By Arie Graham
The game was sold out on a day of recognition and support of the LBGTQ+ community
Arlington, Texas — The Dallas Wings remain undefeated at home (4-0) and beating the Phoenix Mercury 90-77. The theme of this game was Pride Night. The College Park Center was packed and loud. The organization has used its platform every season to recognize the LBGTQ+ community.
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Four-year veteran Satou Sabally recorded her sixth double-double this season with 17 points and 16 rebounds in that game. Postgame she said the Wings are in Texas making a mark and it has been amazing.
“It’s really sad how many legislations have been passed to actually attack the LBGTQ+ community. And I do think that by actively having these games and supporting one another and spreading love and normalizing pride in the LGBT community and not attacking them, we’re doing a great job,” Sabally said.
D’ondria Bubsy is the assistant coach for the Macarthur High School girls’ basketball team in Irving, Texas. She has been a season ticket holder for five years and told The Next that the organization always does it big on pride night which always makes it a positive environment.
“Women in particular show up for women’s basketball. I think there’s a big LGBTQIA+ community in basketball, especially women’s basketball, we just show up for each other,” she said.
Lisa and three of her friends have been season ticket members of the Dallas Wings since 2016. She told The Next that this year was the most exciting Pride Night she has been to because of the packed house and how the team is gelling.
Head coach Latricia Trammell said the fans provided the energy they needed and it was electrifying.
“To come out on a Friday night to support these women, to continue on Pride Night to help empower and inspire and allow us to use our platforms. I think it’s the first time in franchise history I believe that I heard of sold out and then also undefeated at home,’ she said. “Love our fans, I mean we needed that energy. Can they travel with us to New York?”
The pride celebration continues on June 11 when Dallas takes on the Liberty as they celebrate their own Pride Night. The game is their first matchup of the season and will feature Sabally playing against her sister Nyara Sabally for the first time in the WNBA.
Written by Arie Graham
Arie Graham joined 'The Next' in May 2021 as the beat writer for the Dallas Wings.