Football · Dallas Wings · WNBA
O’Connell’s pitch is straightforward: rather than waiting for a new solution, the Wings could examine a venue already embedded in Dallas’ sporting culture.
Moody Coliseum has hosted the Dallas Chaparrals and SMU basketball, giving it a history that stretches well beyond college competition. O’Connell also pointed to “Moody Madness” as evidence of the building’s place in local basketball folklore.
His argument is that a Wings tenancy could add another chapter without requiring Dallas to start from scratch.
The proposal also highlights the arena’s renovations, including luxury suites and parking. Those upgrades could matter if the Wings are looking for a venue capable of supporting a professional game-night operation.
Scheduling would be central to any serious examination. SMU’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference has brought higher-profile opponents to Moody Coliseum, including Duke, North Carolina and Notre Dame. However, the summer timing of the WNBA season could leave room for a shared arrangement, provided the calendars can be aligned.
That remains a significant “if”. Any move would require discussions involving the Wings, SMU, arena operators and the wider Dallas sporting community. Capacity, facilities, commercial terms and broadcast requirements would all need careful review.
For now, Moody Coliseum is best viewed as an option being placed on the civic agenda rather than a confirmed destination. The arena’s location and history make the idea easy to understand, but sentiment alone cannot settle the operational questions.
O’Connell believes “The Wings would be a great addition to Moody Coliseum lore.” The next step is whether the team and city decide the proposal deserves a closer look before the next venue decision takes shape.