STWF SPORTS | DALLAS, Texas | NOVEMBER 6, 2026 – Dallas Wings stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are setting the record straight about their personal relationship while emphasizing their continued commitment to basketball, professionalism and the organization’s future.
During Friday’s episode of Fudd’s podcast, Fudd Around and Find Out, the former UConn teammates confirmed they are no longer romantically involved, addressing speculation surrounding their relationship and its perceived influence on the Wings’ roster decisions.
Bueckers explained that their relationship ended before Dallas selected Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
The two emphasized that their friendship and professional relationship remain strong as they prepare for another season together.
Bueckers Addresses Draft Speculation
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd: A Strong Team Dynamic
Dallas’ selection of Fudd generated considerable discussion after the Wings used consecutive No. 1 overall draft picks on former UConn standouts.
Bueckers, the top selection in 2025, dismissed suggestions that her previous relationship with Fudd influenced the franchise’s decision.
“She was drafted because she deserved it,” Bueckers said during the podcast.
The Wings selected Fudd ahead of several highly regarded prospects, including TCU guard Olivia Miles, who later earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors with Minnesota.
Both Dallas players emphasized that basketball decisions should be evaluated independently of their personal lives.
Their comments also addressed outside scrutiny surrounding their interactions on the court and within the organization.
Fudd Provides Encouraging Injury Update
Fudd also discussed her rehabilitation following a rookie season shortened by a right knee injury.
The former UConn sharpshooter averaged 13.1 points across 30 appearances before undergoing season-ending arthroscopic surgery in August.
Despite the setback, Fudd described a productive offseason involving rehabilitation, basketball workouts and continued skill development.
One area of emphasis has been improving her ability to create scoring opportunities in isolation situations.
Fudd acknowledged that watching Bueckers generate offense from different areas of the floor has provided valuable inspiration.
Her continued development could play an important role in Dallas’ offensive versatility during the 2027 season.
Bueckers Reflects on Breakout Season
While Fudd worked through her injury recovery, Bueckers established herself among the WNBA’s most productive players.
The Wings guard averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists while earning All-WNBA Second Team recognition.
Her leadership helped Dallas secure the No. 7 playoff seed.
However, the Wings’ postseason ended in the opening round against the eventual champion Golden State Valkyries.
Bueckers acknowledged the disappointment while emphasizing lessons learned from facing Golden State’s aggressive defensive system.
The experience highlighted the importance of adjusting to playoff physicality, defensive pressure and increased expectations.
Wings Prepare for New Downtown Home
Beyond basketball performance, Dallas is preparing for another major organizational transition.
The Wings will move into the 19,000-seat American Airlines Center for the 2027 season after playing at UT Arlington’s College Park Center since relocating to Texas in 2016.
The larger venue represents an opportunity to increase attendance, expand the franchise’s visibility and strengthen its connection with basketball fans throughout North Texas.
Bueckers and Fudd expressed excitement about the move while acknowledging that greater attention could bring additional scrutiny.
Both players encouraged supporters to focus on basketball rather than interpreting routine teammate interactions as reflections of their personal relationship.
STWF Sports Final Takeaway
For Dallas, the conversation reinforced the importance of maintaining a supportive team environment as the franchise continues building around its young stars.
Bueckers remains a cornerstone of the Wings’ offense, while Fudd’s recovery and development will be important factors entering next season.
Their willingness to address speculation also demonstrates a shared commitment to moving forward professionally.
As Dallas prepares for its debut at American Airlines Center, the organization’s focus remains on building championship-level chemistry, developing its young talent and taking another step forward in the WNBA playoff race.
For Bueckers and Fudd, the message is clear: Their personal relationship has changed, but their commitment to the Wings and each other as teammates remains intact.
STWF Sports | Dallas Wings Coverage | WNBA 2026–27 Offseason
