The Wings picked Azzi Fudd first in the WNBA draft, reuniting her with Paige Bueckers in Dallas

The Dallas Wings kicked off the 2026 WNBA draft by selecting Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick, bringing another UConn standout into the league's spotlight. It's the second year in a row a Huskies player has gone number one, following Paige Bueckers' selection in 2025. This time, though, the top pick comes with a bigger financial punch-Fudd will earn a noticeably higher rookie salary, thanks to pay increases rolled out under the WNBA's updated collective bargaining agreement.

Fudd and Bueckers played together at UConn, where their chemistry and backcourt synergy were on full display. Now, they'll get a chance to rebuild that connection in Dallas. The Wings have been reshaping their roster around young, skilled guards, and adding Fudd gives them a shooter with elite range and composure under pressure. At 6-foot-1, she brings size and versatility that could help her slide between guard positions depending on the lineup.

When the pick was announced, cameras caught Bueckers grinning from the stands, clapping with genuine excitement. Video clips of her reaction spread quickly online, with fans calling it a heartfelt moment between two players who've supported each other through injuries, comebacks, and high-pressure seasons. Their reunion isn't just a feel-good story-it's a strategic one. Both players are known for their basketball IQ, off-ball movement, and ability to run half-court sets, which could make the Wings' offense more dynamic.

The pay gap between Bueckers' rookie deal and Fudd's is one of the clearest signs yet that the WNBA's financial landscape is shifting. While Bueckers made history as the face of the league's new era, she did so under the old salary structure. Fudd, entering a year later, benefits from the raised rookie scale and increased visibility around player compensation. That contrast has sparked conversation about how far the league has come-and how much further it still needs to go.

Dallas has struggled to find consistency in recent seasons, but the back-to-back top picks suggest a long-term vision is taking shape. With Bueckers already showing flashes of star potential and Fudd arriving with a polished skill set, the team may finally have the foundation to compete in the Western Conference. Coaches and staff have praised both players' work ethic, and early reports suggest they've already started training together this offseason.

UConn continues to prove it's a pipeline for elite WNBA talent. Geno Auriemma's program has produced stars for decades, but going back-to-back at the top of the draft underscores its current dominance. Fudd's selection also highlights how the draft process has evolved, with teams placing more value on proven college performers who can contribute right away.

For fans, the bigger story might just be the friendship and familiarity Fudd and Bueckers bring to the court. In a league where chemistry can take months to develop, having two players who already know each other's rhythms could give Dallas a head start. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly they turn promise into production.