Butler V Connecticut Azzi Fudd 35 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during a break in play against the Butler Bulldogs during an NCAA, College League, USA women s basketball game at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut, on February 07, 2026. Hartford United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xFedericoxTorresx originalFilename:torres-notitle260207_npQNZ.jpg
Butler V Connecticut Azzi Fudd 35 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during a break in play against the Butler Bulldogs during an NCAA, College League, USA women s basketball game at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut, on February 07, 2026. Hartford United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xFedericoxTorresx originalFilename:torres-notitle260207_npQNZ.jpg
The rookie WNBA season of Azzi Fudd is sadly over. The Dallas Wings announced that the No. 1 pick will miss the rest of the 2026 regular season and have arthroscopic surgery on her right knee.
Fudd had already missed the Wings’ last five games because of the knee problem. This surgery will be her third procedure on the same knee.
Even with the injury, Fudd had a strong rookie season. She averaged 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.73 steals and 0.83 blocks in 30 games. Her 1.73 steals per game currently rank first among all rookies.
Fudd also made history during the All-Star break. She became the first rookie, Wings player, and former UConn Husky to win the WNBA 3-Point Contest.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22: UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd 35 looks to the sidelines during the women s college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and UConn Huskies on February 22, 2025, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 22 Women s - UConn at Butler EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2502201354
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22: UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd 35 looks to the sidelines during the women s college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and UConn Huskies on February 22, 2025, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 22 Women s - UConn at Butler EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2502201354
Her latest injury is worrying because she has a long history with her right knee. The UConn Blog’s Daniel Connolly reported that Fudd injured the knee in December 2022 and hurt it again in January 2023.
She missed a lot of time because of those injuries. In November 2023, Connolly reported that Fudd tore her ACL in the same knee, ending her UConn season.
CT Insider’s Maggie Vanoni reported that this upcoming procedure will be Fudd’s third surgery on her right knee.
Also, Fudd would miss the rest of the regular season and have the arthroscopic procedure, as per a post shared by ESPN on X.
Fans quickly reacted, with many worrying about her long-term future. Others pointed out how well Fudd had played before the latest injury.
Fans React to Azzi Fudd Season-Ending Injury
Some fans showed serious concern about whether Fudd’s repeated knee injuries could affect her career in the long run, in ESPN's X post.
As one fan wrote, “Her career will be over in a few years, and she will retire.”
Other fans focused on the bad timing of the injury, especially after Fudd earned a spot in Dallas’ starting lineup.
One fan praised her recent form, saying, “Brutal...she was playing great once she found her way into the starting lineup...”
Since Fudd will have another procedure on the same knee, some fans hope this treatment can finally solve the problem.
One fan wrote, “Hopefully it doesn’t become an ongoing thing. She overcame so much in college she’s gonna attack this with the right mindset. And I’m sure she’ll come back better.”
Fans also understood how disappointing this injury must be after Fudd’s strong rookie season.
One fan said, “Hate to see this. Azzi Fudd finally gets some momentum and now has to deal with another knee issue. Wishing her a smooth procedure and a strong recovery.”
Another fan showed frustration about the situation and Fudd’s injury history, asking, “What could've been worse than this.”
Fudd’s rookie season is now over, but she still gave fans plenty to celebrate with her strong numbers and historic 3-Point Contest win. For now, her main goal will be to recover fully and return to the court.
Read more at Her Sports Nation
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.
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Rudra Dubey