Dallas Wings pick Azzi Fudd first overall in 2026 WNBA Draft

The Dallas Wings picked Azzi Fudd first overall, the second year in a row they picked a UConn player first. This is the seventh time a UConn player has gone first in the WNBA draft.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Draft Day's Top Pick Lands in Texas

Dallas Wings selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The move reunites Fudd with her former Huskies teammate, Paige Bueckers, also a No. 1 pick by Dallas last year. Fudd's professional debut is slated for the start of training camp on April 19.

The choice of Fudd, a consensus first-team All-American who helped lead UConn to a Final Four appearance, was anticipated. She enters the league after a collegiate career marked by strong shooting performances, including leading all of Division I with 117 three-pointers made last season. This proficiency directly addresses the Wings' known deficiency in spacing from the previous year. Her statistical profile shows career shooting splits of .489 from the field, .455 from beyond the arc, and .955 from the free-throw line.

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

More Than Just Shooting

While Fudd's shooting prowess is a significant draw, her value extends beyond that. Her arrival in Dallas is seen not just as a talent acquisition but as a move that fosters continuity within the team's established vision. Bueckers, who attended the draft, spoke about the pride in Fudd's achievement and the desire for her to "soak it all in." Fudd's selection marks the seventh time a UConn player has been chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in WNBA draft history.

Read More: Dylan Mingo Reopens UNC Basketball Recruitment After Coaching Change

A Busy Offseason for Dallas

The Wings have been active in the offseason, signaling an aggressive approach. Prior to the draft, the team signed Alanna Smith, a reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, to a three-year maximum deal. This move, alongside the re-signing of Awak Kuier and Arike Ogunbowale, and the acquisition of Jessica Shepard, points to a strategic build around existing talent and new acquisitions. The signing of Smith, in particular, is noted as a factor influencing the decision to draft a guard like Fudd.

Other Draft Notables

The draft also saw other notable selections:

  • Iyana Martín Carrión, a Spanish guard, was taken by the Portland Trail Blazers with their first-ever pick.

  • Kiki Rice, another former UConn teammate, was selected sixth overall by the Toronto expansion franchise.

  • Flau’jae Johnson was drafted eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries.

  • Cotie McMahon was selected by the Washington Mystics at No. 11.

Context of the Draft

This year's draft held an element of suspense regarding the top pick, a departure from recent drafts. Fudd's journey to the No. 1 spot comes after overcoming questions about her health earlier in her college career, demonstrating resilience over her last two seasons by playing in 73 games. The WNBA draft event itself took place at The Shed in New York City. The league's training camps are scheduled to commence on April 19.

Read More: WNBA plans 2027 game outside North America and 2026 draft results

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who did the Dallas Wings pick first in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The Dallas Wings picked Azzi Fudd, a guard from UConn, with the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This reunites her with her former teammate Paige Bueckers, who was also a No. 1 pick by Dallas last year. Fudd's professional debut will be at the start of training camp on April 19.
Q: Why is Azzi Fudd a good pick for the Dallas Wings?
Azzi Fudd is known for her strong shooting, leading Division I with 117 three-pointers last season. Her career shooting stats are .489 from the field, .455 from three-point range, and .955 from the free-throw line. Her shooting ability helps address the Wings' past struggles with spacing.
Q: What other moves have the Dallas Wings made recently?
The Dallas Wings have been very active in the offseason. They signed Alanna Smith, a Co-Defensive Player of the Year, to a three-year deal. They also re-signed Arik Ogunbowale and Awak Kuier, and acquired Jessica Shepard. These moves show a strategy to build around current players and new talent.
Q: When does the WNBA training camp start?
WNBA training camps are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026. This is when Azzi Fudd will make her professional debut with the Dallas Wings.