Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, two of the most prominent names in women's basketball, have confirmed their breakup, which they say occurred over a year ago. In an unexpected turn of events, Bueckers revealed the news during her appearance on Fudd's podcast, Fudd Around and Find Out. The split came before Dallas selected Fudd as the top pick in the 2026 draft. Despite their personal separation, they remain teammates and friends, a bond that traces back to their shared journey at UConn, where they won a national title together in 2025.
From their first encounter at a USA Basketball camp in 2017, the duo's relationship flourished. Bueckers, already at UConn by December 2019, actively campaigned on social media for Fudd to join her. Fudd committed in November 2020 and they became teammates in July 2021. Their public appearances together were frequent by mid-2022, with one notable instance being their front-row seats at a New York Fashion Week show in September 2024.
The romantic aspect of their relationship remained private, with both acknowledging that it was known only to those close to them. Bueckers went to Dallas as the first pick in April 2025, and the public hints came that summer. Fudd followed a year later. According to Bueckers, the relationship had ended before that second draft night.
Bueckers announced the breakup on Fudd's podcast, addressing rumors about their split and clarifying that Fudd went first overall because of her talent, not their relationship. The Wings lost in the first round of the playoffs a little over a month prior to the announcement. Both stars have asked fans not to punish them for their personal choices and to refrain from building parasocial attachments to athletes. They remain hopeful for the future, expressing their desire to maintain their friendship and professional relationship.