Azzi Fudd is No. 1 WNBA Draft Pick, Joins Partner Bueckers in Dallas

Azzi Fudd was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, earning a $500,000 contract. This is much higher than many past top picks received.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Azzi Fudd, the celebrated guard from UConn, has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. The event, held Monday, April 13, saw Fudd's ascent to the pinnacle of professional basketball, marking a significant moment for both the player and the franchise. This selection not only underscores Fudd's heralded talent but also signals a strategic move by the Wings, who previously picked Paige Bueckers, Fudd's former UConn teammate and confirmed partner, at the same top position a year prior. The reunion in Dallas creates a high-profile pairing, aiming to build a formidable team around two of the league's most anticipated talents.

Fudd's selection highlights a broader shift in the WNBA, particularly concerning rookie compensation. Her contract as the top pick is reported to be substantially larger than what Bueckers earned in her rookie season, reflecting an escalation in rookie salaries driven by the league's new collective bargaining agreement. Fudd's earnings are expected to be around $500,000. This financial uplift signals a more robust future for incoming players.

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The draft night proceedings showcased a strong representation from the University of Connecticut, with Fudd being the seventh UConn player to be selected as a No. 1 overall pick. Her teammate, Kiki Rice, was also chosen early, going sixth to the expansion Toronto Tempo. Another former UConn standout, Olivia Miles, was selected second by the Minnesota Lynx.

Fudd goes No. 1, reunites with Bueckers in Dallas - 1

A Calculated Pairing in Texas

The Dallas Wings' decision to pair Fudd with Bueckers is a deliberate strategy, leveraging their established on-court chemistry and off-court relationship. Bueckers, who was present at the draft to celebrate Fudd's milestone, expressed anticipation for their renewed partnership. The duo shared considerable success at UConn, including a NCAA championship, and their reunion in Dallas is expected to form the core of the Wings' future success, with Fudd's renowned shooting ability complementing Bueckers' playmaking. This pairing also places Dallas as home to three of the most heralded No. 1 picks in recent memory.

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Health and Performance

Questions regarding Fudd's durability early in her college career were addressed over her past two seasons. She played in 73 games, averaging 27 minutes per contest, demonstrating a renewed stability. During her final collegiate season, Fudd put up strong numbers, averaging 17.3 points and 3.1 assists per game. Her performance earned her a spot on the first-team All-Big East for two consecutive seasons. Her professional career is set to officially commence with training camp on April 19.

Draft Landscape and Expansion

The 2026 WNBA Draft saw several other notable selections. The Portland Fire made their first-ever pick, selecting Spanish guard Iyana Martín Carrión. The expansion franchise, Toronto Tempo, made Kiki Rice their initial selection. The draft order included a multitude of picks being traded, illustrating a dynamic market among franchises vying for emerging talent.

Family and Legacy

Fudd's connection to the sport is deeply embedded in her family background. Her selection also makes her part of a unique statistic, being only the third mother-daughter duo to have a WNBA connection. This familial legacy adds another dimension to her entry into the professional league.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the number 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Azzi Fudd, a guard from UConn, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings on Monday, April 13. This is a major moment for her and the team.
Q: Will Azzi Fudd earn more than Paige Bueckers as a rookie?
Yes, Azzi Fudd's contract as the top pick is expected to be around $500,000. This is a significant increase compared to what Paige Bueckers earned in her rookie season, showing higher rookie salaries in the WNBA.
Q: Why did the Dallas Wings pick Azzi Fudd number 1?
The Dallas Wings chose Azzi Fudd to pair her with her former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, whom they also picked first overall last year. They have a strong connection and hope to build a successful team around them.
Q: How is Azzi Fudd's health and past performance?
Azzi Fudd has shown improved durability, playing in 73 games over the last two seasons. In her final college year, she averaged 17.3 points and 3.1 assists per game, earning first-team All-Big East honors twice. Her training camp starts April 19.
Q: Who else was picked early in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Kiki Rice, another UConn player, was picked sixth by the Toronto Tempo. Olivia Miles, also from UConn, was selected second by the Minnesota Lynx.
Q: What is Azzi Fudd's family connection to the WNBA?
Azzi Fudd is the third player to have a mother-daughter connection to the WNBA, adding a unique legacy to her professional debut.