Fudd Goes No. 1, Reunites with Bueckers in Dallas

Former UConn star Azzi Fudd lands $500,000 payday as top WNBA draft pick

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:15am

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A cubist-style painting depicting two basketball players in a dynamic, fragmented composition of geometric shapes and vibrant colors, capturing the energy and excitement of their reunion on the court.The reunion of former UConn stars Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers in Dallas promises an electrifying new chapter for the WNBA.Dallas Today

Azzi Fudd, the former UConn basketball star, has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings. Fudd will reunite with her college teammate Paige Bueckers, who was drafted by the Wings in 2025. The top draft pick comes with a lucrative $500,000 payday for Fudd.

Why it matters

Fudd's selection as the No. 1 pick continues the pipeline of top UConn talent entering the WNBA, with Bueckers joining the Wings last year. The reunion of the two star players in Dallas will be a major draw for fans and provide the Wings with a formidable duo as they look to contend for a WNBA championship.

The details

After a standout college career at UConn, where she was a two-time national champion and the 2023 National Player of the Year, Fudd was the consensus top prospect in this year's WNBA draft. The Wings, who had the No. 1 overall pick, selected Fudd to pair her with Bueckers, her former UConn teammate. Fudd's $500,000 rookie contract is one of the highest rookie deals in WNBA history.

  • Azzi Fudd was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft on April 13, 2026.
  • Paige Bueckers was drafted by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA draft.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A former UConn basketball star 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 drafted by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA draft.

Olivia Miles

The TCU player who was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to reunite with Paige in Dallas. We had so much success together at UConn, and I can't wait to bring that chemistry to the WNBA.”

— Azzi Fudd

The takeaway

Fudd's selection as the No. 1 overall pick continues the pipeline of top UConn talent entering the WNBA, and her reunion with Bueckers in Dallas will be a major draw for fans as the Wings look to build a championship contender.