ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers delivered a clear and unapologetic message during the team’s media day on Monday: her relationship with teammate Azzi Fudd is off-limits. The former UConn stars, now reunited as the Wings’ back-to-back No. 1 draft picks, have faced growing public curiosity about their personal lives—curiosity Bueckers firmly shut down in her opening statement to reporters.

Bueckers Draws the Line

Before fielding a single question, Bueckers took control of the narrative, stating unequivocally that her relationship with Fudd is “nobody’s business but our own.” She made it clear this would be the first—and last—time she would address the topic publicly.

“Quite frankly, I believe me and Azzi’s personal relationship is nobody’s business but our own. And what we choose to share is completely up to us.”

Bueckers emphasized that any future inquiries about their relationship would be met with a reference to this moment or a deflection to basketball-related topics. “If we continue to get asked about it, we will refer to this moment in time, or we will use this time to deflect and talk about our teammates,” she said.

Fudd’s Silence and the Team’s Stance

Bueckers’ comments followed a similar approach taken by the Dallas Wings organization during Fudd’s introductory press conference last week. When asked to confirm her relationship status with Bueckers, Fudd declined to answer and a team spokesperson intervened, stating that the Wings would not address players’ personal lives.

The decision to draft Fudd No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft was based on her basketball merits, Bueckers stressed. “Azzi was the No. 1 pick because she earned it,” she said, dismissing any speculation that their relationship influenced the decision. “It had nothing to do with anything else.”

Why the Message Matters

The public’s fascination with Bueckers and Fudd stems from their shared history as elite guards at UConn, where they developed a close bond on and off the court. Their reunion in Dallas has sparked excitement among fans, but it has likewise led to questions about how their relationship might impact team dynamics or become a distraction.

Bueckers’ refusal to engage with personal questions sends a broader message about boundaries in women’s sports, where athletes often face scrutiny over their private lives in ways their male counterparts do not. By addressing the topic once and shutting it down, she reclaimed agency over her narrative and redirected focus to what matters most: basketball.

What’s Next for the Wings?

With Bueckers and Fudd now sharing the backcourt, the Dallas Wings are poised to become one of the WNBA’s most dynamic teams. Both guards bring elite shooting, playmaking, and a championship pedigree from their time at UConn. Although their personal relationship may remain a topic of conversation among fans, Bueckers has made it clear that their on-court performance will be the only story she’s willing to discuss moving forward.

The Wings open their 2026 season on May 16, and all eyes will be on how the duo meshes in their first year as teammates—and how they handle the spotlight that comes with it.

Key Takeaways

• Boundary Set: Paige Bueckers stated that her relationship with Azzi Fudd is private and will not be discussed further.
• Team Support: The Dallas Wings organization has also declined to comment on players’ personal lives.
• Focus on Basketball: Bueckers emphasized that Fudd’s draft status was earned based on merit, not personal connections.
• Broader Implications: The conversation highlights the scrutiny female athletes face regarding their personal lives.
• Season Outlook: The Wings’ backcourt duo of Bueckers and Fudd is expected to be a major storyline in the 2026 WNBA season.

FAQ

Are Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd dating?

Bueckers confirmed in July 2025 that she and Fudd are in a relationship, but she has since stated that their personal lives are not open for public discussion.

Why did the Dallas Wings draft Azzi Fudd?

Fudd was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft based on her basketball skills and potential. Bueckers emphasized that Fudd’s draft status was earned and unrelated to their personal relationship.

How will Bueckers and Fudd’s relationship affect the Wings?

Bueckers has made it clear that she and Fudd intend to retain their personal lives separate from their professional roles. The focus remains on their performance as teammates.

What did Bueckers say about future questions on their relationship?

Bueckers stated that she would not address the topic again and would deflect any future questions to discussions about basketball or her teammates.