The 2026 WNBA Draft order won't be set for a few more months, but the Dallas Wings have the best odds — 40%, to be exact — of landing the No. 1 overall pick next year. That would give the team back-to-back draft picks and could also reunite UConn graduate Paige Bueckers with Azzi Fudd — if the team selects Fudd in the draft.
While 40% isn't 100%, those odds aren't too bad, and if she plays like she did last year, Dallas could also draft Fudd anywhere in the top 4. In other words, a UConn reunion might really happen, and Dallas would be all the stronger for it.
Why the Wings need Azzi Fudd in 2026
At this point, there's no way to know who will be the No. 1 overall pick next year. In addition to Fudd, the list of top 5 prospects also includes Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, Ta'Niya Latson, and Flau'jae Johnson — and the season hasn't even kicked off yet.
A lot can change over the course of a single NCAA season, but if the Wings can land Fudd, they should strongly consider doing so. In addition to her Bueckers connection (the pair clearly have a lot of chemistry on the court and are deeply familiar with one another's style of play — Fudd would be able to hit the ground running and recreate a lot of the magic that made their time together at UConn so special), Fudd is a quick shot. That's something that will benefit Li Yueru and Maddy Siegrist, who stand to benefit from adding another player to the roster who understands offense and who can be counted upon to pass the ball or shoot.
There's also another factor that's increasingly more important each year: the Wings would experience a major marketing boost if they bring Fudd to the team. Fans will be excited to see Fudd and Bueckers together again, and her addition might just be the final push ownership needs to move Dallas' games to a larger arena in 2026.
The 2026 Draft is facing a tough reality
Of course, none of this will come to fruition of the WNBA and the WNBPA aren't able to reach a new CBA agreement ahead of next year's draft. A work stoppage would result in no draft (or players who are drafted would be considered crossing picket lines if they participate). That's a reality that no one wants, and hopefully one that won't take place.