Bueckers confirms one year apart from Fudd before Wings draft

Paige Bueckers stated on Friday that she and Azzi Fudd ended their romantic relationship more than a year before the Dallas Wings selected them as back-to-back No. 1 overall picks. Bueckers made the announcement on the latest episode of Fudd's podcast, "Fudd Around and Find Out," to address lingering questions about their off-court dynamic.

The timeline clarifies that the split occurred well before the 2025 draft. Bueckers noted that Fudd was chosen for her basketball merit rather than her personal connection to the team's top prospect. "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 they remain friends.

The issue surfaced earlier this season when media sought comments on their status. A Wings spokeswoman prevented Fudd from answering relationship questions during her introductory news conference last spring. Two weeks later, Bueckers addressed reporters at the start of training camp. She said the pair always acted professionally on the court but declined to share details about their private lives.

The revelation resolves speculation that had built since July 2025. At that time, Bueckers referred to Fudd as her girlfriend in an interview following their national championship victory at UConn. The team has since navigated a competitive season with both players in key roles.

Bueckers earned the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and became a two-time All-Star. She helped lead the Wings to the playoffs last season, where Dallas fell to the eventual champion Golden State in the first round. Fudd faced a more difficult debut year, missing time with right knee trouble.

Fudd played 30 games before undergoing arthroscopic surgery. She transitioned from the bench to a full-time starter after the initial six games. For the season, she averaged 13.1 points per game.