After Dallas Wings introduced Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, to the media on Thursday, a question about her relationship with Paige Bueckers was abruptly cut off.

In a clip shared by The Sporting News on X, the Dallas Morning News’ Kevin Sherrington asked Azzi Fudd about her relationship with Paige Bueckers, noting that Bueckers had revealed on TikTok last year that they were a couple. The reporter also asked whether Fudd had spoken to other couples in the league about balancing a relationship as teammates.

Before Fudd could answer, a team spokesperson stepped in and shut down the question. “We understand why you’re asking,” she said, “but we’re going to respectfully decline to comment on a player’s personal life. Next question.”

For reference, Bueckers had already confirmed in July 2025, during an appearance on WAG Talk, that she was in a relationship with her former UConn teammate, Fudd.

As the day went on, Kevin Sherrington responded and placed the blame on the Dallas Wings for how the situation was handled.

“If anyone’s at fault here, it’s the Wings who… acted as if they were covering for something that didn’t need hiding,” Sherrington wrote via Yahoo Sports.

Following the pick, general manager Curt Miller made it clear that Fudd was always their top choice.

“Since the moment we secured the No. 1 pick, we set out on a plan to be deliberate, thorough, with intention on evaluating where we got to ultimately in picking Azzi Fudd,” Miller said via ESPN.

“We traveled all over the world watching this incredible draft class, but it all came back always to Azzi,” the 57-year-old further added.

Regardless, beyond the controversy, the spotlight now shifts to the partnership Dallas is betting on to turn its fortunes around.

Why Azzi Fudd Is All-In on Paige Bueckers in Dallas

While Azzi Fudd didn’t get a chance to speak this time, she has said she’s excited to represent the Dallas Wings alongside Paige Bueckers. A few weeks earlier, when asked about their on-court chemistry, she cheerfully pointed out how Paige makes everything easier for her.

“Paige is an incredible player. Everybody knows that. She’s someone that makes playing basketball with easy,” Fudd said before adding, “Just so much potential, not just with her, but the entire Dallas Wings roster. So, I can’t wait, obviously, with her again, but to play with every single one of them.”

Their chemistry is obvious on the court, especially with the UConn Huskies, where Bueckers made the game look effortless.

Even though her previous team played well without the Wings' #5 guard this season, Bueckers' absence showed. Geno Auriemma’s squad lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks under pressure in the NCAA tournament.

Now, the team is counting on that existing chemistry to turn things around. They've chosen Fudd not just for fit but also for a win-now mindset, especially given that Awa Fam is expected to take time to adjust to the American game after coming from Spain.

So, do you think personal relationships between teammates should be openly discussed in media settings, or kept completely off-limits?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat