UConn's Geno Auriemma Misses 2026 WNBA Draft Due to Personal Reasons

The legendary coach attended a funeral for a program assistant instead of supporting top draft pick Azzi Fudd.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:13am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA draft scene, with overlapping shapes and planes in muted tones, conveying the emotional weight of Auriemma's personal obligations.Auriemma's absence from the WNBA Draft reflects his commitment to his UConn program and its people.Dallas Today

UConn Huskies women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma was unable to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night due to personal reasons. Auriemma, who has led the Huskies to numerous national championships over his four-decade tenure, missed the draft to attend the funeral of one of his program assistants, Peggy Myers, whose husband passed away from brain cancer.

Why it matters

Auriemma is renowned for developing top WNBA talent, including recent stars like Paige Bueckers. His absence from the draft was notable, but understandable given the personal circumstances involving a member of his coaching staff.

The details

According to reporter Alexa Philippou, Auriemma spoke with potential No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd and her family about the situation before the draft. Fudd, a standout for the Huskies, was ultimately selected first by the Dallas Wings, reuniting her with former UConn teammate Bueckers.

  • Auriemma missed the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14th.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The longtime head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, who has led the program to numerous national championships over his four-decade tenure.

Azzi Fudd

A standout player for the UConn Huskies who was selected first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.

Paige Bueckers

A former UConn star player who was drafted by the Dallas Wings in 2025 and will now be reunited with Azzi Fudd.

Peggy Myers

A UConn program assistant whose husband passed away from brain cancer, leading Auriemma to miss the draft to attend the funeral.

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What they’re saying

“'UConn coach Geno Auriemma is not attending the WNBA draft tonight. He is attending services for the husband of UConn program assistant (and his former player) Peggy Myers, who lost her husband, Norm, last month to brain cancer.'”

— Alexa Philippou, Reporter

What’s next

Auriemma will now focus on preparing for his 42nd season as the head coach of the UConn Huskies, as the program looks to bounce back from a Final Four loss in the 2025-26 campaign.

The takeaway

Geno Auriemma's absence from the 2026 WNBA Draft, while notable, was understandable given the personal circumstances involving a member of his coaching staff. The legendary coach's commitment to his program and its people is a testament to his leadership and the values he has instilled in the UConn women's basketball dynasty.