Azzi Fudd gets No. 1 WNBA Draft pick and $500K deal under new rules

Azzi Fudd's $500,000 rookie contract is almost seven times bigger than what last year's top pick earned, showing a big change for new players.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Dallas Wings selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd's rookie contract comes with a $500,000 salary, a figure substantially higher than previous top picks, marking a significant shift for incoming talent. This move is underpinned by the league's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which dramatically boosts rookie compensation and benefits. Fudd's payday is reportedly close to seven times what last year's No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers, earned.

WNBA Draft: Azzi Fudd's rookie salary will be 6 times greater than last year’s No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers thanks to new CBA - 1

Fudd, 23, finished her collegiate career with an average of 17.3 points per game in her final season at UConn. Despite a dip in scoring in her last three games, including an eight-point performance in the Final Four loss to South Carolina, her overall collegiate record and potential were enough to secure the top spot. The Dallas Wings, who finished tied for the league's worst record last season at 10-34, are banking on Fudd to revitalize their performance.

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WNBA Draft: Azzi Fudd's rookie salary will be 6 times greater than last year’s No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers thanks to new CBA - 2

The financial increase for rookies is a direct result of the recently ratified CBA, negotiated between the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association. This new agreement extends enhanced benefits and salary structures to all players on rookie contracts, not just the top selections. Beyond salary, the new CBA also includes improvements in areas like travel arrangements, with rookies now set to travel on charter flights. Players have noted the impact of veteran advocacy, with discussions around the new agreement taking place over draft weekend with players like Nneka Ogwumike, president of the players' union.

Fudd’s selection continues a notable lineage of UConn Huskies being chosen as the top draft pick, with Fudd and Bueckers representing a record seventh time a player from the program has achieved this distinction. She will be reunited with former teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the Wings’ top pick last year and led the team in scoring. Fudd is also the first player whose rookie contract falls entirely under the new CBA's "Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract" (EPIC) stipulation, offering potential for earlier contract upgrades. This marks her official transition to professional play, with training camp commencing on April 19th.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the first player chosen in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Azzi Fudd, a guard from UConn, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. This marks a new era for rookie compensation in the league.
Q: How much money will Azzi Fudd make in her first year?
Fudd signed a rookie contract worth $500,000. This is much higher than previous top draft picks, thanks to a new agreement between the WNBA and the players' union.
Q: Why are WNBA rookies getting paid more money now?
A new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association has increased pay and benefits for all rookies. This includes better salaries and charter flights.
Q: What does the new WNBA CBA mean for other rookies?
The new CBA provides enhanced benefits and salary structures for all players on rookie contracts, not just the top picks. This means more money and better travel for many new players entering the league.
Q: When does Azzi Fudd start playing professionally?
Azzi Fudd's transition to professional play begins soon, with training camp for the Dallas Wings starting on April 19th, 2026.