NEW YORK — Azzi Fudd is headed to Dallas as the top pick in the WNBA draft, set to earn a $500,000 salary.
“I’m at a loss for words to describe what this means,” Fudd expressed. “It hasn’t fully sunk in yet. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined. The moment of hearing my name called out with my family and Morgan (Valley) beside me was surreal.”
Fudd will reunite with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the Wings’ top pick last year. Bueckers and Fudd contributed to UConn’s record seven No. 1 selections.
UCLA standouts Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez were picked in the top five following their recent NCAA championship win.
The new WNBA season saw UCLA making history by having five players drafted in the first round, surpassing UConn’s previous record.
Under the updated collective bargaining agreement, rookies will receive significant pay raises. Fudd’s earnings will be almost seven times higher than Bueckers’ last season. Second and third-round picks will also see increased salaries, exceeding the previous maximum pay in the previous agreement.
Numerous talented players from various colleges were chosen in the draft, including Olivia Miles from TCU and Awa Fam Thiam from Spain, amongst others.
The draft day also involved trading deals, including Golden State trading Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle.
The draft event also marked milestone achievements for various players and their collegiate journeys.
Overall, the draft showcased fresh talent and promising prospects for the upcoming WNBA season.
