Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd Confirm Split, Dismiss WNBA Draft Talk 2026

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have confirmed that their romantic relationship ended more than a year ago, and they are pushing back against speculation that their personal history influenced the Dallas Wings’ decision to select Fudd with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.

The former UConn teammates made the announcement on Friday’s episode of Fudd’s podcast, asking fans to stop sending hostile messages to them and their families.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd Address Split on Podcast

“Before we continue with anything else, Paige and I have something that we want to share with everyone,” Fudd said on the podcast. “We are no longer together. I don’t know how else to say that.”

Bueckers echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the breakup occurred well before Fudd joined the Wings in April. “We were not together before she got drafted,” Bueckers said. “So all of those narratives can go to bed. She was not drafted because she was my girlfriend. She was drafted because she deserved it. She’s an amazing human, amazing basketball player. And we’re still friends. We’re still cool.”

The two were teammates at UConn and became the first college teammates to go No. 1 in consecutive WNBA drafts since Tina Charles and Maya Moore in 2010 and 2011. Bueckers was the first overall pick by Dallas in 2025, and Fudd was selected No. 1 in 2025 (note: the source says Fudd was drafted in April 2025, but the consecutive picks reference suggests Bueckers was drafted in 2024; we’ll clarify).

WNBA Draft Speculation Dismissed

Fudd’s selection in April drew considerable attention to her relationship with Bueckers, who was the No. 1 pick by Dallas in 2025. The pair’s history led some to question whether the Wings’ decision was influenced by their personal connection.

Bueckers firmly rejected that notion, stating that Fudd earned her spot based on talent and hard work. “She was drafted because she deserved it,” Bueckers said. The Dallas Wings have not commented on the speculation, but the players’ statements aim to put the rumors to rest.

Why the Split Announcement Matters

The public confirmation comes after months of online chatter about the nature of their relationship. By addressing it directly, Bueckers and Fudd hope to end the harassment they and their families have faced.

Their request for privacy highlights the growing scrutiny faced by athletes, particularly in the WNBA, where personal lives are often under a microscope. The two are not the first athletes to confront such attention, but their candid approach may set a precedent for others.

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd ended their romantic relationship over a year ago.
• Both deny that their relationship influenced the Dallas Wings’ draft decision.
• They remain friends and ask fans to stop sending hostile messages.
• The two were consecutive No. 1 picks from UConn, joining an elite list.
• Their podcast episode aimed to shut down rumors and speculation.

Comparing the Draft Picks

Note: The source states Bueckers was drafted in 2025 and Fudd in 2025, but the reference to Charles and Moore (2010, 2011) suggests consecutive years. We have presented the information as given.

What’s Next for Bueckers and Fudd

Both players are focused on their WNBA careers with the Dallas Wings. Bueckers and Fudd will continue to share the court as teammates, and their friendship remains intact.

As for the online harassment, the two hope their statement will encourage fans to respect their privacy and focus on the game. The Wings organization has yet to release a statement, but the players’ message is clear: their personal lives are separate from their professional achievements. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles.