Bueckers and Fudd Say Split Predated Wings Draft

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers said they ended their relationship more than a year ago, before Fudd was selected by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The teammates discussed the breakup on an episode of Fudd’s podcast released November 6, addressing speculation that their relationship influenced the Wings’ decision to draft Fudd first overall. Fudd said on the episode that they were no longer together. Bueckers said they had split over a year earlier, before the draft. Both are now members of the Wings, where they played together during the 2026 season. Bueckers rejected the suggestion that Fudd’s relationship with her played a part in the selection. She said Fudd was drafted because she deserved it as a basketball player. The comments responded to online speculation that the Wings chose Fudd because she was dating Bueckers. Bueckers said the two remain friends and professional teammates, and had played together for an entire season after their breakup. She said they support each other and continue to focus on basketball. The pair had also played together at the University of Connecticut, where they won a national championship in 2025. Their relationship had drawn public...