The topic of Azzi Fudd’s relationship with her Dallas Wings teammate, Paige Bueckers, took an unexpected turn on Thursday when an inquiry about their personal lives was swiftly dismissed.
This past Monday night, Fudd was selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. This selection reunites the 23-year-old basketball star with her girlfriend, Paige Bueckers, who had been picked by the Wings as the top pick the previous year. The pair have a history of collaboration, having spent three years on the court together at UConn, where they celebrated a national championship victory.
Despite their close bond, Fudd and Bueckers have chosen to keep the details of their relationship away from public scrutiny, offering little insight into their romance. The couple, who first fueled romance rumors last year, seem intent on maintaining their privacy, even as they join forces once again in the professional arena.
During Fudd’s introductory press conference on Thursday, a question arose regarding their relationship. However, before Fudd could respond, a representative from the Wings’ public relations team intervened, effectively quashing any discussion on the matter.
It appears that Fudd and Bueckers are determined to keep the focus on their athletic pursuits, leaving their personal lives off the court and out of the headlines.
During her introductory press conference on Thursday, Fudd was asked about their romance. However, before she could answer, a member of the Wings PR team shut the question down.
A question about No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd’s relationship with Paige Bueckers was shut down
The duo, who went public with their relationship last year, have been reunited in Dallas
‘Paige announced last year on TikTok that y’all were a couple, and I’m wondering if that’s still the case, and if so, if y’all have talked to any other couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates?’ the reporter asked.
The member of staff said that they understood why the question was asked but that they would have Fudd decline to answer, according to USA Today’s Meghan Hall.
Many social media users slammed the censorial move, including former football wide receiver Dez Bryant.
‘Hey hey hey… that’s part of the game…From the test of time, nothing has been off limits,’ he wrote. ‘That reporter had the right to ask that question. If they are dating..they are dating what’s the problem?
‘Women wanting to be paid millions of dollars comes with it all. When hasn’t the media been in an athlete’s personal business?’
While Fudd was widely considered a contender for the No. 1 pick this year, she was far from a lock-in with UCLA center Lauren Betts also in the mix.
The Wings’ decision to select Fudd has since come under scrutiny with some questioning if her reported relationship with Bueckers was a factor.
However, former Sports Illustrated reporter Jeff Pearlman has called out the lack of reporting on the relationship, suggesting that WNBA has forbidden the media from discussing it.
‘Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers are in a long-term relationship, and nobody’s mentioning it. And the WNBA clearly has asked people not to mention it. And it’s very journalistically confusing to me,’ he said in a recent TikTok.
Fudd was selected first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings on Monday night
Fudd gets reunited with fellow guard and former UConn teammate Bueckers
‘Like, it is fascinating that these two people who have been dating for a long time, dating back to college, would be the starting backcourt for a team. To me, that is actually the number one piece of this story. It’s not just that they drafted Azzi Fudd, they drafted Azzi Fudd to play with her longtime partner, Paige Bueckers.’
He added: ‘Either the agents of these players or the league itself is telling reporters, if you want access, do not mention this. Don’t bring it up.
‘I actually think it’s more of an unfair judgment of women, not to mention it. Like, why is this taboo? Why are two women in a relationship even remotely taboo in 2026? It shouldn’t be at all.’
Bueckers was in the crowd to cheer on Fudd for her big moment as she went No. 1 overall on Monday night.
Speaking to Holly Rowe immediately after her selection to Dallas, Fudd did mention her excitement to play with Bueckers again.
‘I’m excited to play again with Paige, I mean she’s an incredible person, incredible player, it’s gonna be a lot of fun,’ Fudd said.
Last season, Fudd averaged 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists as she was looked to as the leader of the Huskies throughout the season.
