Azzi Fudd is headed to Dallas as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, set to earn $500,000. The former UConn star expressed her disbelief at the moment, saying, “I can’t find words for how I feel. It still hasn’t sunk in.” Sitting with her family and teammates made the experience even more special.
Fudd will reunite with Paige Bueckers, her former UConn teammate and last year’s top draft choice. They both contributed to UConn’s impressive record of seven No. 1 selections. “Paige is amazing to play with,” Fudd noted, highlighting their strong connection on the court.
Other top players included UCLA stars Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez, selected in the top five after leading their team to an NCAA title. Kiki Rice also made headlines by going sixth to Toronto, the expansion franchise, thanks to a coin toss that allowed Portland to secure the top draft pick.
UCLA has now outdone UConn’s record of four players drafted in the first round. This is a significant shift, especially since UConn held that record since 2002. Furthermore, players like Charlisse Leger-Walker also helped UCLA surpass a milestone for most total draftees, previously held by several teams since the late ’90s.
Fudd’s pay raise reflects the recent changes in the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which has greatly increased rookie salaries. For instance, she’ll earn almost seven times what Bueckers made last season. Other top picks will also see substantial salaries, with the second and third picks getting over $400,000. Flau’jae Johnson, picked eighth, shared her excitement and sense of responsibility, saying, “My goal is to leave this league better than I found it.”
Some notable picks included Olivia Miles, who returned to college before joining the league, and Iyana Martín Carrión, who made history as Portland’s first selection. This year’s draft marks a turning point not just for Fudd and her peers, but also for women’s basketball overall, showing how far the sport has come.
With the increased visibility and financial support, many are hopeful for a bright future in women’s professional sports. As the league celebrates its 30th season, many fans and players alike are feeling optimistic about what lies ahead. For more on these developments, check out the WNBA’s official site.
