Azzi Fudd Selected First Overall by Dallas Wings in WNBA Draft
UConn guard Azzi Fudd was chosen as the top pick in the WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings on Monday night in New York, marking a rapid rise from NCAA champion to the league's premier selection. This move reunites Fudd with her former University of Connecticut teammate, Paige Bueckers, who was the first overall pick in the 2025 draft and the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Historic Night for UCLA and WNBA Landscape
The draft was highlighted by UCLA's unprecedented success, with the program setting a new record by having five players selected in the first round. This achievement surpassed previous marks and underscored the Bruins' dominance following their recent national title victory. Key picks included Gabriela Jaquez at No. 5 and Kiki Rice at No. 6, both from UCLA, contributing to a night of celebration for the team.
Fudd's selection comes amid significant changes in the WNBA, driven by a new collective bargaining agreement that has substantially increased rookie salaries. The top pick is now set to earn approximately $500,000, a dramatic jump from previous years and more than six times higher than Bueckers' salary as last year's No. 1 selection. This shift reflects the league's efforts to enhance player compensation and attract top talent.
Draft Dynamics and Team Strategies
Unlike last year, when Bueckers was the clear frontrunner, this draft lacked a consensus top choice. Fudd emerged as the favorite late in the process as the Dallas Wings focused on bolstering their frontcourt during a condensed free-agency period. The team added experienced post players Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard to complement their backcourt, which now features Fudd, Bueckers, and All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale.
Other notable selections included Olivia Miles going second to the Minnesota Lynx, Awa Fam Thiam third to the Seattle Storm, and Lauren Betts fourth to the Washington Mystics. The draft also saw the first trade, with Golden State sending Flau'jae Johnson to Seattle in exchange for Marta Suárez and future picks.
Broader Implications for the WNBA
The draft underscored broader transformations within the league, including expansion with new franchises like the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. Increased salaries and additional roster spots under the new CBA are expected to improve opportunities for drafted players to secure spots on opening-day rosters. Historically, only about half of drafted players made final teams, but this pressure is easing as the league plans to expand to 18 teams by 2030.
Fudd's journey to the WNBA is part of a storied tradition at UConn, where she becomes the seventh player from the program to be selected first overall, joining legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. Her reunion with Bueckers adds a personal dimension, as the two confirmed their relationship last year, promising enhanced chemistry on the court for the Wings.
As the Dallas Wings aim to rebound from consecutive losing seasons, Fudd's arrival signals a new era of hope and potential. The team begins its season on May 8, with fans eagerly anticipating the dynamic pairing of Fudd and Bueckers to lead a turnaround.
