Dallas Wings Draft UConn Star Azzi Fudd First in 2026 WNBA Draft
Azzi Fudd, the former UConn star, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This momentous occasion happened on April 13, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Fudd’s career.
Azzi Fudd and Her Transition to the WNBA
The 2026 draft saw Fudd receiving a lucrative contract worth $500,000. This amount is significantly higher than what the previous first overall pick, Paige Bueckers, earned last season.
Fudd expressed her emotions regarding her selection, noting that it was a surreal experience to hear her name called. She celebrated the moment with her family, former teammates, and friends, underscoring the importance of this achievement in her life.
Star Pairing with Paige Bueckers
- Fudd will reunite with her former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, who was drafted last year by the Wings.
- Both players contributed to UConn achieving an impressive record of seven No. 1 picks in total.
- Bueckers was present at the draft to support Fudd, highlighting their strong bond on and off the court.
Historic Draft Highlights
This year’s draft saw several notable selections, as UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez were taken in the top five. Their teammate Kiki Rice made history as the first pick for Toronto’s expansion team.
UCLA broke a record set by UConn in 2002, having four players drafted in the first round, significantly enhancing their historical legacy.
WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Impact
- The new collective bargaining agreement has led to substantial salary increases for rookies.
- Fudd’s notable salary will be nearly seven times what Bueckers received as the top choice in the previous year.
- Other high picks, such as No. 2 Olivia Miles and No. 3 Lauren Betts, will also enjoy increased earnings.
A Bright Future for Fudd and the Wings
Looking ahead, Azzi Fudd aims to make a significant impact in her rookie season. She averaged impressive statistics during her time at UConn, including 17.3 points per game and a remarkable shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Fudd joins a strong roster at the Dallas Wings, and her synergy with teammates like Paige Bueckers could prove beneficial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
