Azzi Fudd news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery for right knee soreness.
Her absence and the team's defensive slide raise playoff concerns.
Background
Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings' rookie guard and No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has been sidelined for the past five games with a right knee injury. The team announced she will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to address ongoing soreness, with no timetable for return. Her absence has contributed to the Wings' struggles since the All-Star break, as they are on track for the playoffs but have slid defensively.
How it unfolded
- Feb 6, 2025After a players-only meeting following a loss to Tennessee, UConn broke off a 16-game winning streak, eventually winning the national championship with Bueckers and Fudd.
- 2025Bueckers was drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings; Fudd stayed at UConn for another year, averaging a career-high 17.3 points per game and earning first-team All-American honors.
- 2026The Wings drafted Fudd No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, reuniting her with Bueckers.
- Aug 18, 2026Bueckers and Fudd gave rare interviews about their relationship in the upcoming Apple TV docuseries 'The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,' premiering Aug. 21.
- Aug 19, 2026The Wings announced Fudd will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on her right knee; coach Jose Fernandez had no new update on her injury status.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Wings spokesperson declined to comment on Fudd's personal life, saying, 'We are going to respectfully decline on commenting on a player’s personal life.'
- Analysts
- Analysts note Fudd's absence and defensive woes are behind the Wings' struggles since the All-Star break.
- Public
- Fans and media have speculated about the nature of Bueckers and Fudd's relationship, prompting the duo to address it in the documentary.
Still unverified
The exact nature of Fudd's knee injury and the timeline for her return are not yet disclosed. The relationship status between Bueckers and Fudd remains private, as they declined to comment.