Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd of UConn No. 1 in WNBA draft with a $500,000 payday waiting
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 1:23 am
WNBA Draft Sees Record Paydays and New Talent Emerge
NEW YORK (AP) - The WNBA draft saw a significant shift in the landscape of women's basketball, highlighted by a record-breaking payday for the top pick and the emergence of new talent. Azzi Fudd, formerly of UConn, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, securing a $500,000 contract. Fudd expressed her excitement and disbelief at the moment, emphasizing the surreal feeling of being drafted.
The draft also saw the reunion of Fudd with her former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, who was the Wings' top pick last year. Bueckers, along with Fudd, contributed to UConn's record of seven No. 1 selections.
UCLA made a strong showing, with Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez being selected in the top five. Kiki Rice, another UCLA player, was picked sixth by Toronto, the expansion franchise's first pick. UCLA tied the record for the most players drafted in the first round, with five players selected.
The new collective bargaining agreement, ratified last month, played a significant role in the draft's financial implications. The agreement resulted in substantial pay raises for rookies. The No. 2 and No. 3 picks will receive $466,913 and $436,016, respectively. Second- and third-round picks will also benefit, earning $270,000, exceeding the previous maximum salary.
Other notable picks included Olivia Miles, who was selected second overall by Minnesota after deciding to stay in college last season. Awa Fam Thiam, a Spanish center, was picked third by Seattle. Raven Johnson was selected 10th by Indiana, and Cotie McMahon was drafted by Washington.
The draft showcased the evolving talent pool in women's basketball and the league's commitment to investing in its players.
BNN's Perspective: The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement is a welcome development, reflecting the growing popularity and value of women's basketball. While the increased salaries are a positive step, the league must continue to focus on sustainable growth, including expanding its audience and securing long-term financial stability.
Keywords: WNBA draft, Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings, UConn, Paige Bueckers, UCLA, Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Toronto, Olivia Miles, collective bargaining agreement, rookie salaries, women's basketball.