SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 476

WHEREAS, Since 2016, the Dallas Wings of the Women's National Basketball Association have brought an exciting brand of basketball to North Texas while demonstrating an impressive commitment to serving the community; and

WHEREAS, Originating as the Detroit Shock in 1998, the Wings captured three WNBA championships during the team's 12 years in the Motor City; the franchise relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for six seasons, and then moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in advance of the 2016 campaign; playing their home games at the College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington, the Wings have reached the playoffs in four of the seven years they have been based in Texas, including postseason appearances in 2021 and 2022; they are currently the only team in the WNBA representing the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to giving back, the organization established the Dallas Wings Community Foundation to make a positive difference in the North Texas area; the foundation has placed a strong emphasis on serving historically marginalized groups by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity; toward that end, the team is committed to empowering women and girls through a range of initiatives, and in 2022, it commemorated the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which enabled women to achieve greater access to athletics and other school programs; in addition to supporting youth sports, health awareness, and education, the Wings have partnered with the Count It Coalition to encourage greater public engagement in elections and to increase voter access and participation; and

WHEREAS, Through their determined efforts, the members of the Dallas Wings franchise have served as exemplary civic partners, and all those associated with the team are deserving of recognition for their exceptional work; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend the Dallas Wings organization for its contributions to the community and extend to the team's players, coaches, management, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Johnson, Alvarado, Parker, West

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 27, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate