By Blessing Nweke
The WNBA Draft 2026 delivered a rare twist Monday night as the Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding the top selection.
Unlike recent years — when Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were widely expected No. 1 picks — this year’s draft remained open until the final moment. The Wings ultimately chose Fudd over other top prospects, including Olivia Miles and Spanish center Awa Fam.
Fudd, 23, capped her college career at University of Connecticut by averaging 17.3 points per game in her final season. Though she helped lead the Huskies to a national championship in 2025 alongside Bueckers, her tournament form dipped this year, including an eight-point performance in a Final Four loss to South Carolina Gamecocks.
Known for her elite perimeter shooting, Fudd is expected to immediately strengthen Dallas offensively while providing solid defense in the backcourt. Her off-court connection to Bueckers — the two publicly confirmed their relationship in 2025 — adds intrigue to her professional transition.
Miles, who averaged 19.6 points and 6.5 assists after transferring from University of Notre Dame to Texas Christian University, was praised for her playmaking. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-6 Fam remains a high-upside international prospect playing professionally in Spain.
Dallas secured the top pick after finishing tied for the league’s worst record at 10-34 with the Chicago Sky.
The selection comes during a transformative period for the WNBA, which is entering its 30th season. A new collective bargaining agreement has significantly boosted rookie salaries, with Fudd set to earn $500,000 — a dramatic increase from Bueckers’ rookie deal last year.
The 2026 season tips off May 8.
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