Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd had brushed aside questions about their relationship earlier in the season. Now, the Dallas Wings teammates have clarified that they split up well before Fudd joined the team.
Fudd was selected first overall in this year’s WNBA draft by the Wings, where Bueckers already played. The two former UConn teammates had been widely thought to be dating, but questions about their relationship were often quickly dismissed by the players or the team.
On the show “Fudd Around and Find Out,” Bueckers said they had been apart for more than a year before the draft.
“We’re not together anymore. It’s been a while — over a year,” Bueckers said. “People seemed to be wondering how it would work with us as teammates. We weren’t together before she was drafted, so those narratives can go to bed.”
She added that Fudd was chosen because of her ability, not their past relationship, and said the two remain friends and professional teammates.
“She’s an amazing human, an amazing basketball player,” Bueckers said. “We care about basketball, and we’re still friends. We’re still cool.”
Fudd said they understood people might have questions but had shared what they felt was necessary. “The rest will stay with us,” she said.
Bueckers said the two had reached different stages in their lives, but would continue to support one another and work well together.
WNBA players have formed relationships with teammates and opponents alike. Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, for example, married while playing for the Chicago Sky.
Bueckers and Fudd were UConn teammates from 2021 until Bueckers entered the WNBA draft last year. They played in two national championship games together and won the title last season. Bueckers joined UConn a year before Fudd.
The Wings finished the season 27–17 before losing in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual champions, the Golden State Valkyries.
