The Dallas Wings selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd demonstrated impressive performance in her last two college seasons, averaging 27 minutes per game and achieving career-best shooting percentages.
Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd with No. 1 pick of 2026 WNBA Draft
Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd with No. 1 pick of 2026 WNBA Draft
The Dallas Wings selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft.
While questions had lingered about Fuddâs ability to stay healthy early during her college career, she quelled those fears over the last two seasons as she played 73 games and averaged 27 minutes per game. She hit career bests for field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage in each of her last two seasons at UConn, and that was especially impressive this season considering she had some down stretches and still finished the year knocking down 45 percent of her 3-point attempts.
Though Fudd wasnât initially projected as the No. 1 pick, her prospects rose during free agency as the Wings acquired a slew of talented, experienced post players. After signing WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith, general manager Curt Miller was looking for a guard. The Wings later signed Smithâs Lynx teammate Jessica Shepard, as well as reportedly re-signing 6-foot-6 center Awak Kuier to a one-year deal and 6-7 center Li Yueru to a training camp contract.
With the Wings building in the paint, Fuddâs ability to play in the backcourt with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the No. 1 pick last year by Dallas. Sheâll also be paired with Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt.
Unlike many recent seasons, there wasnât a clear No. 1 pick in this yearâs draft class â Awa Fam Thiam and Lauren Betts had both separated themselves as the top post prospects available, Olivia Milesâ passing ability had made her the best point guard option and Azzi Fudd had separated herself as a shooter and impact scorer for a future WNBA franchise.
But, with Fudd now in the fold, Dallas enters the 2026 season primed for a massive turnaround led by first-year coach Jose Fernandez, who will be the Wingsâ third coach in three seasons. Fernandez spent the last 25 years at South Florida, turning the mid-major program into a perennial NCAA Tournament team, using player development and deep overseas recruiting connections to build his roster.
âHe is known for putting his players in a position to succeed. As the game and WNBA continue to become global, no coach in this country has recruited and successfully coached international players better than Jose. I canât wait to partner with Jose and support his vision for our Dallas Wings,â Miller told the Associated Press after hiring Fernandez.
Even with Fudd surrounded by a roster loaded with talent, Fernandez will have his work cut out for him. The franchise hasnât experienced sustained success since relocating from Tulsa, Okla., in 2016 and has seen many high-profile players depart. Since arriving in Dallas, the Wings have advanced out of the first round of the playoffs only once and havenât made the playoffs since 2023. Through the last two seasons, the franchise has gone 19-65.
With the intention of moving all operations from Arlington, Texas, to Dallas, the Wings are building a new 70,000-square-foot training facility, which will exceed standards laid out in the new collective bargaining agreement. The building was delayed more than a year as costs ballooned, but it is now set for completion in 2027 with a final cost of $81 million.
The Wings will play its 2026 home games at UT-Arlington, except for three games which will be played at Dallasâ American Airlines Center (July 12 versus the Chicago Sky, Aug. 7 versus the Golden State Valkyries and Aug. 20 versus the Indiana Fever). The Wings will play their full 2027 slate of games at American Airlines Center while updates are completed on Memorial Auditorium, the planned home for the Wings, which should be ready for the 2028 season.
Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, Golden State Valkyries, Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo, WNBA
2026 The Athletic Media Company
Q&A
Who was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Azzi Fudd from UConn was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
What were Azzi Fudd's statistics during her last two seasons at UConn?
In her last two seasons at UConn, Azzi Fudd played 73 games, averaged 27 minutes per game, and achieved career-best shooting percentages, including 45% from 3-point range.
Why did the Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd as the top pick?
The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the top pick due to her impressive performance and shooting ability, especially after acquiring experienced post players during free agency.
What recent signings did the Dallas Wings make before the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Before the 2026 WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings signed WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and re-signed center Awak Kuier, among other acquisitions.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN News··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Angels' Mike Trout hits another HR to join Aaron Judge in rare Yankee Stadium history
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Feature
Tigers projected to take a gamble on the upside of a 6'3" prep bat
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.