Deja Kelly is finally getting the opportunity in the WNBA that she's been working tremendously hard for.
The former UNC women's basketball star has been signed by the Dallas Wings on a Developmental Player contracl. This contract comes after she starred in the Upshot League during its inaugural season, leading the Charlotte Crown to the league title while being named the Ann Meyers Drysdale Most Valuable Player.
Deja Kelly signs a Developmental Player contract with the Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings have signed guard Deja Kelly to a Developmental Player contract. pic.twitter.com/m5SsQShEUg
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 23, 2026
A Duncanville, Texas native, Kelly spent four seasons at North Carolina, finishing her time in Chapel Hill among the top-10 scorers in program history. She tallied 1,858 points as a Tar Heel, helping lead the program to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2022.
Kelly elected to wrap up her collegiate career at Oregon, where she helped the Ducks make an NCAA Tournament appearance as well.
The former Tar Heel went undrafted but signed with the Las Vegas Aces, making a very strong push during training camp to earn a spot on the active roster. Unfortunately, Kelly was waived prior to the start of the season, as she's worked ever-since to earn an opportunity to get back on a WNBA roster.
In case you're unfamiliar with what a Player Development contract is, here's a brief explaination:
A Player Development contract in the WNBA is an extra roster spot, introduced under the league's collective bargaining agreement. It allows teams to sign up to two players outside of the standard active roster. These players do not count against the team's salary cap, but they must have three or fewer years of service to be eligible for this type of contract.
This marks the second former Tar Heel this week to secure one of these contracts. Maria Gakdeng, Kelly's former teammate at North Carolina, signed a similar deal with the Toronto Tempo, and both former Tar Heels will get a closer look as they hope to earn permanent roster spots.
There's no doubt that Kelly is deserving of this opportunity. It's been surprising that it has taken this long, given how well she played in preseason action for the Aces back in 2025, as we all figured that another team that needed guard help would express interest in signing her.
However, that didn't happen right away, but Kelly never let that stop her from pursuing her dream. She continued to put herself in the conversation, making it well-known that she does, in fact, belong in the WNBA.
Of course, this isn't a standard contract, so more work remains. However, if anyone is up for the challenge, it's Kelly, as she will not let this newfound opportunity slip away.
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