WNBA stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have confirmed that their romantic relationship ended more than a year ago, while emphasizing that they remain friends and committed teammates with the Dallas Wings.
The former couple addressed their breakup during the November 6 episode of Fudd's podcast, Fudd Around and Find Out. Fudd, 23, opened the conversation by telling listeners that the two were no longer together.
Bueckers, 25, confirmed the separation, explaining that it had happened more than a year earlier. She also addressed speculation surrounding Fudd's selection by Dallas in the 2026 WNBA Draft, dismissing claims that their relationship influenced the decision.
"We were not together before she got drafted. So all of those narratives can go to bed," Bueckers said.
She strongly defended Fudd's selection as the first overall pick, stressing that the decision was based on her basketball ability rather than their personal connection.
"She was not drafted because she was my girlfriend. She was drafted because she deserved it," Bueckers said. She described Fudd as an exceptional person and player, adding that they remained friends and were on good terms.
The pair also highlighted their ability to maintain a professional relationship despite their breakup. Bueckers noted that they had already played an entire season together following their separation.
"We're the utmost professional. We care about basketball, and we're still friends," she said.
Romance rumors first emerged while the two played together at the University of Connecticut. Bueckers publicly referred to Fudd as her girlfriend in July 2025, shortly after the team won the NCAA championship.
When Fudd joined the Wings in April 2026, a team representative declined to discuss the players' personal lives, further fueling speculation about their relationship.
During the podcast, Bueckers also asked fans to stop sending hostile messages to them, their families and friends. She said the pair felt compelled to address the situation because of the negative attention and rumors surrounding their split.
Bueckers explained that relationships can change as people move through different stages of life. She acknowledged that both women would eventually date other people, but stressed that their care and respect for one another remained.
"At the end of the day, like, we still care about each other. We want the best for each other," she said.
