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They were roommates first. Then teammates. Now, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are officially the "it" couple of basketball, and honestly, the sports world doesn't quite know how to handle it. For years, fans in Storrs and on TikTok played detective, zooming in on phone cases and analyzing every courtside glance. But when Paige finally dropped the "D1 girlfriend" label during a 2025 WNBA All-Star interview, it wasn't just a gossip win—it was a culture shift.
Most people assume this is just a social media trend. It's not.
Between Paige dominating as the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Wings and Azzi lighting up the scoreboard for the UConn Huskies in 2026, this is a legitimate power-dynamic shift. We’re talking about two of the most marketable athletes in the world who happen to be in love. If you think the "Paige and Azzi Show" was big in college, wait until you see what happens when they’re both in the WNBA.
The "Hard Launch" That Actually Mattered
In July 2025, the speculation finally died. Paige, fresh off being drafted first overall by Dallas, sat down with WAG Talk. She didn't just hint at it; she confirmed Azzi Fudd was her partner. It was the "hard launch" heard 'round the internet.
The most hilarious part? The phone case. For months, Azzi had been spotted with a mobile cover that literally said "Paige Bueckers' girlfriend." Fans went feral. Paige later joked that she got "set up" into the reveal, but the smile on her face said otherwise.
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Why this matters for the WNBA
- Authenticity over everything: In an era where corporate brands want "relatable" stars, Paige and Azzi are giving fans the real deal.
- LGBTQ+ Visibility: While the WNBA has always been a safe space, having the literal face of the league be part of a high-profile "friends-to-lovers" story is massive for Gen Z engagement.
- The Dallas Factor: With the Wings holding a high pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the "reunion" narrative is already the biggest story in the league.
Two Paths, One Goal: The 2026 Season
Right now, they’re living in two different worlds. Paige is the centerpiece of the Dallas Wings, proving every night that her collegiate hype was justified. She’s currently putting up numbers that make her a frontrunner for All-WNBA honors, averaging over 19 points and 5 assists.
Meanwhile, back in Connecticut, Azzi Fudd is on a "revenge tour" for her final college season. After years of brutal knee injuries—including a torn ACL and meniscus that cost her most of 2023 and 2024—she is finally healthy. And "healthy Azzi" is terrifying for the rest of the Big East.
Azzi’s Ridiculous 2026 Stats
She isn't just playing; she's flirting with history. As of late 2025, Azzi was hovering near a 50/50/100 shooting split. That's essentially perfect. She’s shooting 53.4% from three-point range. Let that sink in. Most players dream of hitting 40%. Azzi is doing it while being the primary focus of every opposing defense.
Can a Professional Relationship Actually Work?
There is always a skeptic in the room. Some front-office types are whispering about whether having a "franchise couple" on the same team is a risk. What if they break up? What if the chemistry gets weird?
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Honestly? That’s old-school thinking.
Paige and Azzi have been together since they were teenagers at USA Basketball camps in 2017. They’ve navigated season-ending injuries together. They’ve lived together. They’ve won a National Championship together (2025 was a hell of a year for UConn). If anything, their bond is a stabilizing force, not a distraction. They know how to push each other without it becoming toxic.
The NIL and Business Empire
Let’s talk money. Because Paige and Azzi aren't just athletes; they are a walking conglomerate.
- Bose: They were the first to really capitalize on the duo, featuring them in TikTok campaigns that racked up over 9 million views.
- Gatorade and State Farm: Paige is already the face of major national brands.
- The "Couples" Honor: Cosmopolitan named them one of the "Couples of the Year" in 2025, alongside names like Zendaya and Tom Holland.
This isn't just about sneakers and sports drinks anymore. They are crossing over into mainstream celebrity territory. When they appear at New York Fashion Week together, they aren't just "basketball players"—they’re icons.
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What Happens Next for Paige and Azzi?
The 2026 WNBA Draft is the date everyone has circled. If the Dallas Wings manage to snag Azzi Fudd, the league might actually break. The merchandise sales alone would be enough to fund a small country.
But even if they don't end up on the same roster, the impact is already felt. They’ve changed the narrative of how female athletes can own their personal lives while dominating their sport.
Your Move: How to Follow the Journey
- Watch UConn on the Big East Network: Azzi’s shooting clinics are a masterclass in form.
- Follow the WNBA Draft Lottery: If Dallas stays in the top three, the "reunion" is 90% likely.
- Check their TikToks: If you want the behind-the-scenes pranks and the actual personality behind the stats, that’s where the real "Paige and Azzi" live.
The "Skinny little white girl" and the "shiest girl in camp" have come a long way since 2017. Whether they’re winning rings together or competing for MVPs against each other, the Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd era is just getting started.
Keep an eye on the 2026 WNBA Draft order; the first three picks will determine if the most dangerous duo in basketball history gets a professional sequel in Dallas.