Paige Backers Celebrates Playing with Azzie Fudd

After the Dallas Wings’ first practice of the new WNBA season, Paige Backers expressed that playing alongside Azzie Fudd feels like a “dream come true.” This follows a recent media moment where questions about their romantic relationship were deflected. The spotlight turned to their collaboration on the court, especially after Fudd was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft last Monday.

During Fudd’s induction press conference, Backers shared her excitement, saying, “We’ve been through so much together since we were about 16. I know her game well, and she knows mine. To come back to this stage—it’s phenomenal. We’ve talked about this since our freshman year in high school. From playing together at the Junior Olympic level to now being in the WNBA, it’s just surreal.”

The two first met as teenagers at a USA Basketball U16 national team camp back in 2017 and later played together at the University of Washington. They were teammates during the Huskies’ national championship victory in 2025.

Backers was drafted by Dallas with the top pick in the last WNBA Draft, while Fudd continued her college career, averaging 17.3 points per game during her senior season and leading her team to the Women’s Final Four.

“On the court, she brings so much,” Backers remarked about Fudd. “Everyone recognizes her shooting, of course, but her basketball IQ is truly exceptional. She disrupts defenses and has this versatility to her game that’s invaluable. Plus, with her being a 40-percent three-point shooter, her presence will definitely open up space for us.”

The duo is expected to be a key factor in the Wings’ performance this season, especially after a tough 10-34 record last year. Backers, in a previous interview, acknowledged their connection, mentioning that they were “close friends” and even joked about their Instagram statuses.