Dallas Wings Extend El Paso’s Kayla Thornton to Multiyear Deal

One of El Paso’s own continues to make a name for herself across the WNBA, and now her team has thanked her with a multiyear extension during the offseason.

Former UTEP standout and Irvin High School graduate Kayla Thornton has reached a multiyear deal with the Dallas Wings, the team announced on Monday. The extent of the agreement and details on the contract were not revealed, per team policy. 

"I am very blessed and excited to continue my career with the Wings," Thornton said in a statement on Monday. "I'm excited for what is to come with our team and I'm looking forward to working with coach [Vickie] Johnson as our group strives to do something special together."

The Wings finished their pandemic-shortened season last year 8-14 overall in the Western Conference. Thornton has been a key contributor for the Wings since she joined in 2017, averaging 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game during her time in Dallas. She is regarded as one of the top defenders in the WNBA. Her best year came in 2019 when she averaged 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest.

"Kayla Thornton is a wonderful example of how hard work, determination and self-belief can produce great results," Dallas team president and CEO Greg Bibb said. "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 and Dallas will look to improve their finish in 2020 with the 25th WNBA season beginning in the summer.