Dallas Wings selected UConn's Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, pairing her with teammate Paige Bueckers. Fudd, a former UConn star, will earn a $500,000 rookie salary under the new collective bargaining agreement. Bueckers attended the draft along with Fudd's Huskies teammates.

Fudd expressed excitement about reuniting with Bueckers, calling her "an incredible player." The new CBA dramatically increased rookie pay, with Fudd earning nearly seven times what Bueckers made last season. Second and third picks will receive $466,913 and $436,016 respectively, while second and third-round picks will make $270,000.

UCLA stars Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez went fourth and fifth overall after leading the Bruins to their first NCAA championship. Minnesota selected Olivia Miles second, while Seattle took Spain's Awa Fam Thiam third. Expansion teams Toronto and Portland followed, with the Tempo winning the coin toss for the higher pick. The draft continues with Golden State, Washington, and Indiana making key selections to shape their rosters.