History was made at The Shed in New York City as the Dallas Wings selected UConn superstar Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. But the moment was about more than just basketball; it was a night of high fashion and heartfelt reunions.
Fudd captivated the audience not once, but twice with her style. After turning heads in a stunning high-slit gown on the Orange Carpet, she executed a flawless mid-event wardrobe change. By the time Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called her name, Fudd had swapped her red-carpet look for a sleek new outfit, proving her flair extends far beyond the hardwood.
The draft selection weaves an incredible narrative for the Wings. Fudd now reunites with her former UConn teammate and girlfriend, Paige Bueckers, who was Dallas's No. 1 pick just a year earlier in 2025. Bueckers was in the audience, celebrating as the pair made history by becoming the first college teammates ever drafted first overall in consecutive years by the same franchise. Their chemistry, which powered UConn to the 2025 NCAA national championship, is now a cornerstone for Dallas's future.
Fudd arrives in the WNBA with a sterling resume. As a First-Team All-American, she averaged 14.7 points per game last season, showcasing the elite scoring touch that made her a collegiate legend. Her professional journey begins with a marquee matchup, as she and the Wings will face Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in a preseason game on April 30th, setting the stage for their regular-season opener on May 9th.
