Azzi Fudd Shines in Glamorous WNBA Draft Arrival

The former UConn star made a stylish entrance ahead of being selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:48am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the graceful, energetic movements of a basketball player walking down a red carpet, with their dress and hair blending into the vibrant brushstrokes.Azzi Fudd's dazzling arrival on the WNBA Draft Orange Carpet sets the stage for her professional debut with the Dallas Wings.Dallas Today

Azzi Fudd, the former UConn women's basketball standout, arrived at the 2026 WNBA Draft in a stunning silver dress with a high slit, stealing the show on the Orange Carpet. Fudd was the No. 1 overall pick, selected by the Dallas Wings, and will reunite with her former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the top pick a year ago.

Why it matters

Fudd's selection as the No. 1 overall pick continues the pipeline of elite UConn talent entering the WNBA, and her reunion with Bueckers in Dallas adds intrigue to the upcoming season. The Wings are hoping the dynamic duo can help the franchise take the next step after a promising 2025 campaign.

The details

Fudd, a first-team All-American and 2025 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, impressed with her fashion choice for the draft, wearing a high-slit silver dress that drew plenty of attention. She was joined on the Orange Carpet by several of her former UConn teammates, who came to support her on her big night.

  • Fudd was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, 2026.
  • The Dallas Wings will tip off their preseason on Thursday, April 30, against the Indiana Fever.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A former first-team All-American and 2025 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player at the University of Connecticut, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.

Paige Bueckers

Fudd's former UConn teammate, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and now plays for the Dallas Wings, reuniting with Fudd.

Cathy Engelbert

The WNBA Commissioner, who announced Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, whose team defeated Fudd and UConn in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four.

Caitlin Clark

The star player for the Indiana Fever, who will face Fudd and the Dallas Wings in the season-opening games.

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What they’re saying

“Azzi Fudd looks gorgeous as she arrives to the 2026 WNBA Draft.”

— Pop Base

What’s next

The Dallas Wings will tip off their preseason on Thursday, April 30, against the Indiana Fever, giving fans their first look at the new-look team featuring Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers.

The takeaway

Azzi Fudd's selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft continues the pipeline of elite talent from the University of Connecticut to the professional ranks. Her reunion with former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers in Dallas adds intrigue to the upcoming WNBA season, as the Wings look to build on their promising 2025 campaign.