Bueckers clarifies Fudd was not drafted to appease her

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd ended their romantic relationship more than a year ago, a timeline Bueckers confirmed on Friday to clear up ongoing speculation about their partnership with the Dallas Wings. The former University of Connecticut teammates were selected as back-to-back No. 1 overall picks in the WNBA draft and have played together for two seasons.

Fudd first acknowledged the split on the latest episode of her podcast, released Friday. Bueckers later appeared on the same show, Fudd Around and Find Out, to provide a more specific timeline. She stated the breakup occurred well before the Wings drafted Fudd, directly addressing rumors that the team selected Fudd to satisfy Bueckers.

“She was not drafted because she was my girlfriend. She was drafted because she deserved it,” Bueckers said. She described Fudd as an amazing human and basketball player, adding that the two remain friends.

The topic has surfaced repeatedly since the two joined the Wings. A team spokeswoman blocked a question about their relationship during Fudd's introductory press conference last spring. Bueckers addressed the issue again at the start of training camp roughly two weeks later, telling reporters they had always acted professionally on the court while declining to share private details.

Bueckers referred to Fudd as her girlfriend in a July 2025 interview, shortly after they won a national championship together at UConn. Since joining the professional league, the two have navigated high expectations and physical challenges.

Bueckers earned the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and was named a two-time All-Star. She helped lead the Wings to the playoffs last season, where Dallas lost to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the first round. Fudd's first year was interrupted by right knee issues. She underwent arthroscopic surgery after playing 30 games and averaged 13.1 points per game as a starter for the remainder of the season.