Who is Azzi Fudd? Meet the UConn guard taken No. 1 in WNBA draft by Dallas Wings; Fudd’s $500K payday highlights WNBA’s historic salary surge

Azzi Fudd has cemented her status as one of the most promising young talents in women’s basketball, thanks to her elite shooting touch and ability to perform in clutch moments. The UConn Huskies women's basketball guard delivered on the hype by being selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night. Fudd’s selection also highlights a new financial era in the league. She is set to earn a $500,000 base salary in her rookie year, part of a four-year deal worth $2.2 million. The revised pay structure follows a landmark collective bargaining agreement, significantly boosting salaries across the league and marking a major step forward for both incoming rookies and established players.

Her journey has often been linked with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was present on draft night and shared in the celebration of Fudd’s milestone moment. The two will now reunite in Dallas after Bueckers was taken as the top pick the previous year, continuing UConn’s remarkable run of producing No. 1 selections.



Fudd expressed her excitement about teaming up again, praising Bueckers’ talent and impact. She recently wrapped up her fifth season at UConn, where she posted career-best numbers, averaging 17.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. She also played a key role in a championship-winning campaign before helping the Huskies reach the Final Four this season.

Dallas, coming off a difficult year in which they finished last with a 10-34 record, will look to Fudd as a transformative addition. The franchise has also made changes off the court, bringing in a new head coach to guide a rebuilding phase.


For Fudd, basketball is deeply rooted in her family background. Both of her parents played at the collegiate level, while her mother went on to feature in the WNBA with the Sacramento Monarchs in the early 2000s. Despite facing setbacks - including injuries during her sophomore year and an ACL tear as a junior - Fudd showed remarkable resilience, returning stronger and continuing to shine on the court with consistent scoring and playmaking.

Her senior season further highlighted her excellence, as she earned the Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor and secured a place on the USBWA Women's All-American Team. Although the UConn Huskies women's basketball fell short of the national title in 2026, Fudd’s reputation as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft continued to grow.

Off the court, her personal life has also drawn attention, particularly her relationship with fellow star Bueckers. The two reportedly first met at a training camp in 2017 and developed a close bond over the years, eventually going public with their relationship in June 2025. Their shared journey at UConn and beyond has made them one of basketball’s most talked-about duos.