The ball is now in Dallas's court as the City Council approved a slam dunk deal for the WNBA's Dallas Wings. On Wednesday, council members signed off on a 15-year, $19 million agreement that secures a new playing venue for the women's basketball team at the Memorial Auditorium, nestled within the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

The auditorium, designed by the acclaimed Dallas architect George Dahl, and historically graced by musical icons and sports legends alike, is set for an upgrade. This sprucing up is part of a wider plan to revamp the convention center and the surrounding downtown area. Mayor Eric L. Johnson, a notable advocate for attracting sports teams to Dallas, has been instrumental in bringing the Wings over from Arlington.

Mayor Johnson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This deal has been a top priority for us because we know the Dallas Wings will soar in the city they represent." He also noted the pivotal role the team will play in the much-anticipated transformation of downtown Dallas. Greg Bibb, the Dallas Wings President & CEO, echoed this sentiment, citing a record-breaking surge in attendance and sales for the team, according to the City of Dallas.

“Dallas Wings provide valuable and richly varied players, staff, and fans reflecting our vibrant City,” District 3 Council Member Zarin Gracey, Chair of the Ad Hoc on Professional Sports Recruitment and Retention, was reported as saying per the City of Dallas. Sports Commissioner Monica Paul, quoted on the same site, praised the City's capacity to accommodate sports expansions like this, hailing Dallas as the ultimate teammate in this venture.

The move is also a financial play with council members approving $19 million in incentives over three years, which are expected to be countered by revenues topping $1.5 million annually from various sources including parking and facility rentals. The Wings' new roost in the Memorial Auditorium, pending WNBA approval, signals a new era not just for the team but also for the heart of Dallas, where sports and urban development are set to collide.

With league approval pending and final agreements to be set in action, the City of Dallas and the Dallas Wings are gearing up to release more information on this strategic play. However, it's clear that with this decision, Dallas is shooting for a victory that extends beyond the court and into the fabric of the city. For now, the Wings' fans can eagerly await the opening tip-off in their new downtown home court after the sweeping changes set for the 2025 season.