Dallas Wings stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have officially confirmed that their romantic relationship ended over a year ago. Speaking on the Fudd Around and Find Out podcast, the former UConn Huskies teammates clarified that they have already navigated an entire WNBA season as exes.
A breakup that predates the 2026 WNBA Draft
The revelation that Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are no longer a couple comes after months of public speculation. According to the report, the split actually occurred well before Fudd was drafted as the number one overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This timeline clarifies a major point of confusion for fans: the two athletes played a full professional season together in Dallas while being romantically separated .
Previously, whenever the pair was asked about their status, the response was often a quick shutdown from the players themselves or from Dallas Wings public relations. By coming forward now, the duo aims to put those rumors to rest, noting that they have been living as friends and colleagues for a significant amount of time.
Why Bueckers insists Fudd’s top pick was earned, not gifted
One of the most significant claims made during the podcast was the rejection of any "narrative" linking Fudd's professional success to her personal relationship with Bueckers. Paige Bueckers explicitly pushed back against the idea that Fudd’s status as the top pick was a result of their connection. "She was not drafted because she was my girlfriend, she was drafted because she deserved it," Bueckers stated, emphasizing Fudd's talent and character.
This defense is crucial in the high-stakes environment of professional sports, where the merit of female athletes is often scrutinized. By addressing this directly, Bueckers is attempting to protect Fudd's professional reputation and ensure her achievements are viewed solely through the lens of her basketball prowess. She emphasized that Fudd is an "amazing human" and an "amazing basketball player," making it clear that their personal history has no bearing on her athletic standing.
From UConn championship glory to Dallas Wings teammates
The history between Bueckers and Fudd is deeply rooted in their time at the University of Connecticut. the two were teammates from 2021 until April of last year, a period that included playing together in two national championship games and winning the title last year. Their connection was visible to the public during the 2025 NCAA tournament and at various social events, which may have contributed to the persistent rumors about their relationship.
While the WNBA has seen successful teammate relationships—most notably the marriage of Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley—Bueckers and Fudd are modeling a different kind of resilience.. They are transitioning from a collegiate powerhouse duo to professional teammates in Dallas,maintaining a focus on their careers and their mutual support as friends.
The boundaries set on the 'Fudd Around and Find Out' podcast
While the announcement provides clarity on their status, it leaves several specific questions unanswered. The players have been very intentional about what they will and will not disclose. Fudd noted that while they understand the public's curiosity, they have addressed everything they feel is necessary to share, and the rest will remain private.
Specifically, the players have not detailed the exact circumstances of their split, only that "sometimes in life, two people are just at different points." This leaves fans wondering about the emotional transition they made while playing a full season together. For now ,the duo has signaled that their priority is maintaining their professionalism and their friendship as they continue their WNBA careers.
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