Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd as No. 1 Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft, Reuniting Her with Paige Bueckers

The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft held on April 13, 2026, at The Shed in New York. Fudd, a former UConn star, joins the team after leading the Huskies to a national championship in the 2024-25 season.

This marks the second consecutive year the Wings hold the top pick. Paige Bueckers, the Wings' No. 1 selection from the previous year, was present at the draft and reacted positively to Fudd's selection.

Bueckers and Fudd were teammates at UConn from 2021 through 2025. Their reunion on the Wings roster highlights the team's recent draft strategy. Fudd's selection comes amid changes to the WNBA's rookie pay scale under a new collective bargaining agreement implemented in the offseason.

Under the prior agreement, the No. 1 pick earned approximately $78,831. Fudd's rookie salary is set at $500,000, representing a 534% increase over Bueckers' rookie earnings.

Salary Changes Under New CBA The new collective bargaining agreement has raised salaries across the league, with rookies receiving substantial increases.

The updated rookie pay scale includes: No. 1 pick at $500,000, No. 2 at $466,913, No. 3 at $436,016, No. 4 at $407,163, No. 5 at $380,219, No. 6 at $355,058, No. 7 at $331,563, and No. 8 at $309,622.

Picks from No. 9 to 12 earn $289,133 or more, while second- and third-round selections receive $270,000. These changes apply to all players but particularly benefit rookies entering the league. The Wings' commitment to Fudd reflects the higher financial obligations under the updated scale.

Fudd expressed gratitude for the opportunity during post-draft interviews.

Draft Reactions and Fudd's Background Fudd described her emotions after the selection, noting the support from her family.

She emphasized her team-oriented approach and experience playing alongside top talent at UConn. 4% in the most recent season.