Azzi Fudd made headlines when the Dallas Wings picked her first in the WNBA Draft. This moment marks a remarkable journey from NCAA champion to the top draft choice. It reunites her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the No. 1 pick last year.
At 5 feet 11 inches, Fudd played a key role in leading UConn to a national title, winning the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player award. She’s the seventh player from UConn to be drafted first overall. Bueckers watched from a sold-out venue in Manhattan as Fudd’s name was announced.
“I can’t really explain how I feel. It’s amazing,” Fudd shared, highlighting just how significant this moment is for her.
The landscape of the draft has shifted. A new collective bargaining agreement has brought increased rookie salaries, with Fudd set to earn around $500,000—more than six times what Bueckers received last year. This change opens doors for talented new players, and experts believe it will empower the league as it grows.
This year’s draft didn’t have a clear top pick compared to previous years. Fudd distinguished herself late in the process. The Wings had adjusted their roster recently by adding frontcourt players like Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard. Minnesota picked Olivia Miles from TCU as the second pick, reflecting the league’s rising talent.
As teams reshaped their lineups, Fudd’s selection was a strategic move. The Dallas Wings are looking to bounce back after a few tough seasons, relying on talented players like Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale to revamp their image.
Fudd’s connection with Bueckers runs deep, forged through shared struggles at UConn. They faced injuries that kept them from playing together until last season, so there’s excitement about the potential of their pairing in Dallas.
The 2026 WNBA Draft also showcased broader league changes. The addition of expansion teams like Toronto and Portland, along with increased salaries due to the new collective bargaining agreement, suggests a promising future for player opportunities. Expert analysts note that while only about half of drafted players typically land on a team, the expansion to 18 teams in the next five years is expected to ease that pressure.
With Fudd and Bueckers at the helm, the Dallas Wings aim to make their mark. The league’s momentum, backed by rising salaries and an expanding roster structure, indicates an exciting chapter ahead for women’s basketball.
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