UConn's Azzi Fudd Excited, Gracious to Be Top Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft

Fudd joins Dallas Wings, reuniting with girlfriend Paige Bueckers

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, red, and gold representing the players and action on the court.The dynamic, multi-faceted addition of top draft pick Azzi Fudd to the Dallas Wings' talented roster promises an exciting new era for the franchise.Indianapolis Today

Former UConn star Azzi Fudd expressed excitement and gratitude after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd, the daughter of former Georgetown player Katie Smrcka-Duffy, will join a Wings lineup that includes her girlfriend Paige Bueckers, who was the No. 1 pick in 2025.

Why it matters

The Wings have struggled in recent seasons, going 9-31 in 2024 and 10-34 in 2025. The addition of Fudd, a highly touted prospect, along with Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and other key players, could help turn the franchise around and make them a contender in the WNBA.

The details

Fudd will earn $500,000 during the 2026 season, the highest total for a rookie under the league's new collective bargaining agreement. She will join a Wings lineup that includes Bueckers, Ogunbowale, center Alanna Smith, and forwards Myisha Hines-Allen and Maddy Siegrist. The Wings also added TCU forward Marta Suarez in the second round and Tennessee forward Zee Spearman in the third round.

  • Fudd was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2026.
  • The Wings will face Caitlin Clark's Fever in a game that could feature the last three No. 1 overall WNBA Draft picks on April 30, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • The Wings will play the Fever again in their regular season opener on May 9, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The players

Azzi Fudd

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Fudd is a former UConn star and the daughter of former Georgetown player Katie Smrcka-Duffy.

Paige Bueckers

Fudd's girlfriend, Bueckers was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and plays for the Dallas Wings.

Arike Ogunbowale

A four-time WNBA All-Star, Ogunbowale joined the Dallas Wings as the No. 5 pick in 2019.

Alanna Smith

The center signed a three-year deal with the Dallas Wings as a free agent on Saturday.

Myisha Hines-Allen

A forward for the Dallas Wings.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not really sure I have words to describe that feeling and what that meant. I don't think it's fully sunk in. I don't really have words. It is nothing I could have imagined.”

— Azzi Fudd

“The feeling sitting there with my family…hearing your name called, getting to walk up there. It's such a surreal feeling. I'm so grateful.”

— Azzi Fudd

“They've been able to see, during my time at UConn, how I'm a team mentality, we-over-me kind of player. I'm going to do what the team needs and not anything less. So, they know what to expect from that aspect.”

— Azzi Fudd

What’s next

The Wings will face the Fever, led by No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles, on April 30 in a matchup of the last three No. 1 overall WNBA Draft picks. Fudd and the Wings will then play the Fever again in their regular season opener on May 9.

The takeaway

Fudd's selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, where she will reunite with girlfriend Paige Bueckers, represents a major boost for a franchise that has struggled in recent seasons. The addition of Fudd, along with other key players like Arike Ogunbowale, could help transform the Wings into a WNBA contender.