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2026 WNBA Draft: Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall
Apr
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2026 WNBA Draft: Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall
The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, making her the latest star from UConn Huskies to achieve the top honor.
Fudd became the seventh UConn player in history to be drafted first overall, joining legendary names such as Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart.
“There’s no words to describe that feeling. It’s surreal,” Fudd said after hearing her name called in New York.
UCLA Sets Draft Record with Historic Class
Fresh off their NCAA championship, UCLA Bruins made history by producing five first-round picks and six total selections—the most in a single WNBA Draft.
Leading the UCLA class:
- Lauren Betts – No. 4, Washington Mystics
- Gabriela Jaquez – No. 5, Chicago Sky
- Kiki Rice – No. 6, Toronto Tempo
- Angela Dugalic – No. 9, Washington Mystics
- Gianna Kneepkens – No. 15, Connecticut Sun
Additionally, Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected No. 18 overall, becoming the first New Zealander drafted into the WNBA.
Top Picks: Olivia Miles and Awa Fam Thiam Shine
Olivia Miles was selected No. 2 overall by the Minnesota Lynx after a standout season, earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors and averaging 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
At No. 3, the Seattle Storm selected Spanish prospect Awa Fam Thiam, a rising international talent with significant upside.
Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers Reunite in Dallas
Fudd will reunite with her former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in 2025.
The duo played four seasons together and were instrumental in leading UConn to the 2025 national championship, where Fudd was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player. She also led the nation with 117 three-pointers this season, averaging 17.3 points per game.
“I’m excited to play again with Paige. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Fudd said.
Other Notable Picks and Draft Highlights
- Flau’jae Johnson – No. 8 (Golden State Valkyries, later traded to Seattle Storm)
- Raven Johnson – No. 10 (Indiana Fever)
- Cotie McMahon – No. 11 (Washington Mystics)
- Nell Angloma – No. 12 (Connecticut Sun)
The expansion teams also made headlines, with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire adding key young talent to build their future rosters.
Conclusion
The 2026 WNBA Draft showcased a new generation of elite talent, led by Azzi Fudd and a historic UCLA class. With rising stars entering the league and exciting reunions like Fudd and Bueckers in Dallas, the future of the WNBA looks brighter than ever.
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