The Dallas Wings announced forward Kayla Thornton has signed a multi-year extension to remain in Dallas. The terms of the agreement were undisclosed per team policy.
“Kayla Thornton is a wonderful example of how hard work, determination and self-belief can produce great results,” Dallas Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb stated. “Kayla has willed her way from a free-agent signee struggling to stay in the League to one of the best, and most underrated, defenders in the WNBA while continuing to expand and improve her offensive game as well. We are thrilled to have Kayla make the decision to continue her career with the Dallas Wings and to be a big part of what we are building.”
Thornton has been one of the Wings most consistent performers since joining the team in 2017. The University of Texas at El Paso graduate has posted career averages of 7.9 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per outing on just under 40% shooting from the field and 85% from the free throw line. Thornton’s best statistical season came in 2019 when she averaged a career-high 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Thornton has established herself as one of the best defenders in the WNBA and was the driving factor in Dallas posting the fewest Field Goals Allowed in 2019. In 2020 Thornton recorded 7.3 points per game on 42.5% shooting from the field and 87.5% from the foul line.
“I am very blessed and excited to continue my career with the Wings,” Thornton stated. “I’m excited for what is to come with our team and I’m looking forward to working with Coach Johnson as our group strives to do something special together. Go Wings!”
Thornton joins guard Allisha Gray as the second Wings veteran to sign mult-year agreements with Dallas this offseason.
The Dallas Wings will host a virtual press conference via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook with Kayla Thornton on Thursday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. Wings President & CEO Greg Bibb and Head Coach Vickie Johnson will join Kayla Thornton for the virtual event. Media outlets interested in attending the press conference can contact Wings Communications Manager Andrew Hatfield for more information.