Paige Bueckers’ Girlfriend to Make $421K More After Going No. 1 Overall in WNBA Draft

Azzi Fudd goes to the Dallas Wings as the number one pick.

Paige Bueckers’ Girlfriend to Make $421K More After Going No. 1 Overall in WNBA Draft

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd were both drafted as number one picks in consecutive WNBA drafts.
  • Azzi Fudd's rookie contract is worth $2.2 million, including a $500,000 base salary, significantly higher than Bueckers' previous earnings.
  • The new CBA has led to increased salaries for WNBA players, marking a positive shift in the league's financial landscape.

After drafting Paige Bueckers as the number one pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings used their number one pick this year to draft her former college basketball teammate, Azzi Fudd. It was a momentous occasion for the UConn Huskies as they saw two of their players get drafted at number one in back-to-back years.

The draft sees the two future stars uniting once again after leading the Huskies to an NCAA championship last year. With this latest pick, the city of Dallas just became the undisputed capital of the basketball world. Bueckers, Cooper Flagg, and now Fudd, Dallas have drafted three number one picks in the last year.

It was an important moment in the WNBA, as well as it will also see Fudd earn a $500,000 base salary in her rookie year, part of a four-year deal worth $2.2 million. The new CBA sees a revised pay structure significantly boosting salaries across the league and marking a major step forward for both incoming rookies and established players. The new rookie contract will see Fudd earn $421,169 more than Bueckers earned as the number one pick in 2025.

Paige Bueckers has broken a few records and has made a name for herself in her rookie WNBA campaign. She became the eighth WNBA rookie to be named an All-Star starter. A couple of months ago, she contested in the Unrivaled 1v1 tournament before losing to Chelsea Gray in the quarterfinals.

Bueckers and Azzi Fudd went public with their relationship last year. Hence, there was speculation that the 24-year-old would be in attendance for the draft night.

While there hadn’t been a consensus top pick in this class from the jump, it was expected that the Wings would select Fudd over other talents. Known for her shooting ability, the Wings believe her off-ball movement and chemistry with Bueckers would make it a perfect fit in the future.

Fans react to Azzi Fudd earning more than Paige Bueckers in her rookie contract

Azzi Fudd’s new rookie contract shows that the WNBA is heading in the right direction. As the 2026 WNBA number one pick, she will become the highest-paid rookie to ever enter the WNBA. The new CBA agreement will see players rake in a massive pay rise.

With Fudd going to earn $421K more than Bueckers, the internet were quick to react to the new rookie contracts.

Fans were delighted to see the growth of the WNBA, and the massive pay hike is proof of it. Fans hope to see several stars secure the bag in the coming years after the latest agreement.

Azzi Fudd on reuniting with Paige Bueckers

With Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers reuniting once again, the Wings will be hoping that the two young stars can replicate their college basketball chemistry and success in the WNBA. Fudd and Bueckers are not simply former college teammates; the duo has a long history together, and now they are a couple.

Azzi Fudd drafted as the number pick
Azzi Fudd drafted as the number pick (Image credits – UConn Women’s Basketball/X)

Azzi Fudd addressed the media after getting drafted and spoke about reuniting with Bueckers on the Wings.

Paige is an incredible player everyone knows that. She is someone who makes playing basketball look easy. Just the prior experience, knowing how to play with her, off of her will only help going into this. I can’t wait obviously to play with her again but to play with every single one of them.

Azzi Fudd on playing with Paige Bueckers

With Bueckers running the point and Fudd spacing the floor, the Wings have a blueprint for success. Bueckers broke several WNBA and franchise records in her rookie year, and Fudd will be looking to do the same this season.

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