Dallas Wings Choose Azzi Fudd as No. 1 Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft
The Dallas Wings selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The move adds a proven shooter to Dallas’ backcourt and completes a busy offseason for the franchise.
Player profile and college record
Fudd finished her final two seasons at UConn playing 73 games. She averaged 27 minutes per game across that span.
Her shooting improved each of those seasons. She posted career bests in overall field-goal percentage and 3-point percentage. This most recent season she converted 45 percent of her 3-point attempts.
Fudd’s selection makes her the No. 1 pick and the seventh UConn player chosen first overall. Her mother, Katie Fudd, was a 2001 WNBA pick at No. 62.
Dallas roster moves and fit
The Wings bolstered their frontcourt in free agency. Dallas signed Alanna Smith, the WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year, and added Jessica Shepard.
The team also reportedly re-signed Awak Kuier to a one-year deal. Li Yueru joined on a training camp contract.
With size in the paint, management sought a backcourt scorer. Fudd will pair with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers and veteran Arike Ogunbowale.
Why Fudd rose to the top
The draft class had no clear consensus No. 1. Awa Fam Thiam and Lauren Betts were the top post prospects. Olivia Miles stood out as the leading point guard option.
Fudd separated herself as an elite shooter and impactful scorer. That skill set became especially valuable after Dallas built around interior players.
Top five picks from the 2026 draft
- 1. Dallas Wings — Azzi Fudd, guard, UConn
- 2. Minnesota Lynx — Olivia Miles, guard, TCU
- 3. Seattle Storm — Awa Fam Thiam, center, Valencia Basket (Spain)
- 4. Washington Mystics — Lauren Betts, center, UCLA
- 5. Chicago Sky — Gabriela Jaquez, guard, UCLA
Coaching and front-office context
Jose Fernandez will lead the Wings as head coach in 2026. He is in his first season with Dallas and will be the club’s third coach in three years.
Fernandez spent 25 years at South Florida. He built the program into a regular NCAA Tournament team and has strong international recruiting ties.
General manager Curt Miller praised Fernandez’s work with international players and development when announcing the hire.
Franchise outlook and facilities
The Wings relocated from Tulsa to Dallas in 2016. Since that move, the team has advanced past the first playoff round only once.
The club has not reached the playoffs since 2023. Its record over the last two seasons stands at 19-65.
Dallas plans to move operations from Arlington to the city. A new 70,000-square-foot training facility is under construction and will meet new CBA standards.
The project faced delays and rising costs. Completion is scheduled for 2027 with a final price tag of $81 million.
2026 and 2027 home schedule
The Wings will play their 2026 home games at UT-Arlington. Three regular-season contests will be at American Airlines Center.
- July 12 — vs. Chicago Sky
- Aug. 7 — vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Aug. 20 — vs. Indiana Fever
In 2027, Dallas will play its full slate at American Airlines Center. Memorial Auditorium renovations aim to make it the team’s home for the 2028 season.
Reporting and analysis for Filmogaz.com.
