Unapologetically LOUD: Inside the Rise of Dallas Women’s Sports Fandom

Let’s be real. For decades, loving women’s sports felt like belonging to the world’s most exclusive, and honestly, most ignored, club. It was a hushed acknowledgment among us true believers – a knowing nod about the sheer grit, the undeniable talent, the bone-deep magic unfolding on courts and fields, usually to the sound of crickets and the glow of a muted TV. We championed them anyway. We celebrated their victories anyway. Even when the wider world, particularly the monolithic sports media machine, treated female athletes as an afterthought, if they acknowledged them at all. Worse, they often disrespected them.

Think about it. We had FloJo, a supernova of speed and style, redefining what an athlete could be. We had Lisa Leslie, a dominant force who owned the paint and built a league, brick by brick, on her own back. Countless trailblazers across every sport, who, through sheer, undeniable talent, demanded attention and respect long before anyone dared whisper “renaissance.” They pushed, they pulled, they soared, often in the face of empty seats, underpaid contracts that forced them to chase supplemental careers overseas just to make a decent living. And while things are finally shifting, let’s not pretend the fight is over. Just look at the ridiculous “beef” narrative between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese – a prime example of how even as women’s sports break through, the vital contributions of the Black female athletes who built this foundation are still so often sidelined, their brilliance overshadowed by narratives that elevate others. Frankly, we’ve seen this movie too many times, and we are, quite simply, tired.

But here in Dallas? Something is finally different. It’s not just a murmur anymore; it’s a full-throated roar. Across multiple arenas – from the court to the pitch – women’s sports are having their undeniable, glorious moment. And right here in our own backyard, Dallas is proving to be an absolute epicenter for this explosion of fandom, with the Dallas Wings leading the charge and giving us all the reasons to scream, this time unapologetically, from the rooftops. Even the fellas, bless their hearts, are starting to finally catch on to the athleticism, the strategic brilliance, the sheer, nail-biting entertainment. It’s about time.

Creating the Space We Craved

So, who’s been leading the charge on this homegrown revolution, screaming loudly and proudly even when it felt like no one was listening? Groups like GamechangHERS and WBB Club Dallas. The Dallas Nomad first caught wind of this incredible energy right after the Dallas Wings‘ home opener against the Minnesota Lynx last week. While covering the game from the media suite, our eyes were drawn to the megatron, where D’Ebony Cotton, co-founder of these incredible social powerhouses, was caught dancing her heart out – with crazy Dallas swag, we might add. It was instantly clear: this woman was serious about her support for the Wings, for women’s sports, and for making sure other women had truly comfortable spaces to watch. We tracked her down, and what she told us was just what you’d expect – infectious, unapologetic, and entirely justified.

When asked what inspired her and her co-founder, D’Ebony put it plainly: “Honestly—because we couldn’t find anywhere to play, watch, or celebrate women’s sports with sound on.” She detailed the frustration: “We were tired of walking into sports bars and having to ask for the game to be turned on—just to watch it on mute while every other screen blasted men’s sports. We thought, ‘There’s gotta be a better way.’” So, she explained, “we created what we couldn’t find: a bold, unapologetic space where fans could show up, show out, and truly feel seen.”

And that, our friends, is exactly how DFW GamechangHERS and WBB Club Dallas materialized – born directly from a very real, very frustrating void in our supposedly sports-obsessed city. As D’Ebony perfectly quipped, “We didn’t just want a seat at the table—we pulled up with extra chairs, snacks, and a Bluetooth speaker.” This isn’t simply about catching a game; it’s a full-on mission to build a community where, as she says, women’s sports aren’t an afterthought, but “the main event.” It’s a place where “fans, athletes, and community can come together and be loud, proud, and fully seen.”

Their core mission, D’Ebony stated, is “to build a bold, inclusive, and lasting community in DFW around women’s sports. We do watch parties, community work, and go to games together so that fans, athletes, and allies feel seen, celebrated, and supported year-round.” Ultimately, she hopes members gain a sense of belonging: “We want our members to feel connected and like they’ve finally found their people. If you leave one of our events with a new friend, a bingo prize, and a calendar full of Wings games, then we’ve done our job.” For D’Ebony, “This isn’t just about fandom—it’s about impact, joy, and changing the game for good.”

The Wings’ Ripple Effect

The soaring trajectory of the Dallas Wings, their increasing visibility, and the hard-earned respect they’re garnering has been nothing short of a massive tailwind for groups like D’Ebony’s. As she put it, “Let’s just say… the Wings getting their wings has made all the difference.” She noted the tangible impact: “Fans are excited, new folks are pulling up, and our group chats are a little more chaotic (in the best way).” For her, “The Wings aren’t just changing the game—they’re giving us momentum to expand our community, deepen our impact, and amplify the culture of women’s sports in Dallas.”

And why are these dedicated spaces so utterly crucial? “It’s so important,” D’Ebony emphasized. “We’ve all been in that bar or group chat where you mention a WNBA stat and get crickets—or worse, challenged.” You know that feeling, don’t you? That slight internal debate before you even think about bringing up your favorite WNBA player, wondering if you’ll be met with blank stares or that condescending “who cares?” GamechangHERS, as D’Ebony explained, “wanted to flip that script.” She affirmed, “In our spaces, women aren’t just welcome—we’re the blueprint. We create real belonging, where knowledge, passion, and joy thrive. It’s not just about sports—it’s about community, self-expression, and showing up exactly as you are, jersey and all.”

The palpable buzz around the Dallas Wings’ new draft picks, that “fresh energy and big expectations,” is undeniable. D’Ebony shared, “Oh, the draft? We were on edge like it was the lottery.” She added, “There’s a buzz around this team that’s different. The Wings are building something special, and it’s clear they’re playing the long game. We’re here for the glow-up, the grit, and the growing pains. And don’t worry, we’ve already got the nicknames! Want to hear?” Then she rattled them off: Paige Buckets, Z-Flash, JJ Quick, Von Block. If that doesn’t scream hardcore fan, we don’t know what does.

But perhaps the most powerful moment of our conversation was when D’Ebony reflected on her favorite aspect of co-founding these groups. “Honestly?” she began, “It’s seeing someone walk into an event alone and leave with a group chat full of new friends. It’s the laughter, the fit checks, the emotional breakdowns over fourth-quarter comebacks.” She explained that “Being a co-founder means I get a front-row seat to joy, transformation, and community in action. There’s nothing like watching people feel seen—for their love of sports, their stories, and their full selves.” Her closing sentiment perfectly encapsulated her dedication: “This is my passion, this is my purpose and I am just truly blessed, especially for having such a great team alongside me as well!”

So, while the broader world slowly, finally catches up to what we’ve known all along – that women’s sports are nothing short of phenomenal – Dallas is out here, leading the charge, building the kind of fan culture that genuinely mirrors the fierce dedication of its supporters. It’s a powerful testament to the simple act of creating the space you desperately wished existed. And D’Ebony already has her eyes on the future, expressing hope that “when we get ready to open the first women’s sports bar; we will be able to give a part 2!” Until then, you know where to find them: loud, proud, and cheering on the Dallas Wings, sound on.