STWF Sports | NEW YORK | April 13, 2026 — The Dallas Wings made a franchise-defining move Monday night, selecting Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft presented by State Street Investment Management SPY.

Fudd, a 5-foot-11 guard out of the UConn Huskies, arrives in Dallas as one of the most decorated and polished prospects in recent draft classes, bringing elite shooting, championship pedigree, and a high basketball IQ to a Wings team on the rise.

Why Azzi Fudd is a Game-Changer for the Dallas Wings

“Azzi Fudd is one of the best shooters in our game today,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. “She has a lightning-quick release and her movement off the ball is elite. She competes hard defensively and is an efficient, unselfish player who knows how to win. In an outstanding draft class, she stood out to us not only with her basketball skills but with her intangibles.”

Fudd’s selection caps a remarkable collegiate career at UConn, where she played five seasons and helped lead the Huskies to a national championship in 2025. During her final campaign in 2025-26, she delivered the most complete season of her career, averaging 17.7 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field, 45.5 percent from three-point range, and an elite 95.5 percent from the free-throw line.

Her perimeter shooting was among the best in the nation, as she finished fifth nationally in three-point percentage while leading all Division I players in total three-pointers made with 117. Beyond scoring, Fudd contributed across the stat sheet, setting career highs in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks while starting all 39 games.

Her dominance earned widespread recognition, including All-America honors from the Associated Press, USBWA, and the Wooden Award, along with BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year and First Team All-BIG EAST selections. She also led UConn to its 25th Final Four appearance, further cementing her reputation as a player who performs at the highest level in critical moments.

Fudd’s impact was perhaps most evident during the Huskies’ 2025 NCAA Tournament run. She averaged 17.5 points per game throughout the tournament and delivered a standout 24-point performance in the national championship game against South Carolina, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.

Her journey to becoming the top overall pick was not without adversity. Early in her collegiate career, injuries limited her availability, but she consistently demonstrated resilience and growth. As a freshman, she averaged 12.1 points per game while shooting over 43 percent from beyond the arc, earning All-Freshman Team honors. She followed that with a strong sophomore campaign before an abbreviated junior season. Her ability to overcome those setbacks and elevate her game speaks to her work ethic and determination.

Fudd leaves UConn with a place among the program’s all-time greats. She holds the school record for career free-throw percentage at 92.5 percent and ranks among the top players in program history in both three-pointers made and three-point shooting percentage.

For Dallas, the selection represents more than just adding a talented scorer. Fudd reunites with Paige Bueckers, her former UConn teammate and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Together, the duo formed one of the most dynamic backcourts in college basketball, leading the Huskies to multiple Final Four appearances and a national championship.

That existing chemistry could prove invaluable as the Wings continue to build a cohesive and competitive roster. With Fudd’s shooting ability and off-ball movement complementing Bueckers’ playmaking, Dallas now boasts a backcourt capable of stretching defenses and creating scoring opportunities at all three levels.

Fudd also brings international experience, having represented USA Basketball at multiple levels, including gold-medal performances at the FIBA U19 World Cup, U17 World Cup, and FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

As the Wings look toward the 2026 season, the addition of Fudd signals a clear direction for the franchise — one centered on skill, spacing, and high-level guard play. With a blend of young talent and established contributors, Dallas is positioning itself as a team with both immediate potential and long-term promise.

For Fudd, the opportunity in Dallas marks the beginning of a new chapter. For the Wings, it could be the start of something transformative.