The 2026 WNBA season has instantly become one of the most important times for the league following the latest CBA, and Azzi Fudd commands some respect as the leader of her draft class in this new era.

During an interview with reporter Savanna Hamilton, Fudd opened up about the responsibility she feels of being the No. 1 overall pick in the first draft class impacted by the new CBA, and taking it to greater heights.

“This is just the start. You see what happens when people really give women respect? What happens when they really buy in? When they invest? It’s just the start, and I want to do my part and continue to build the game and leave it better than I found it.”

Before the start of the season, the league and the players' union ratified a historic seven-year CBA running through 2032. This landmark agreement completely reshaped player compensation and the league's operating standards.

Minimum salaries now range between $270,000 and $300,000 based on experience, and the league's average salary now exceeds $583,000. Moreover, the supermax contract has reached $1.4 million.

As for the rookies, first-round draft players have received a massive bump as well, with Fudd leading the pack with her base salary exceeding $500,000.

While Fudd started the season rather slowly for a top draft pick, she has quickly improved over time, becoming the second-in-command for the Dallas Wings after Paige Bueckers.

The former UConn Huskies duo has been key for the Wings' 13-8 record this season, as they continue to dominate the charts under head coach Jose Fernandez's debut season.

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers Show Their Defensive Resiliency

Fudd and Bueckers produced a defensive masterclass in their 88-76 win against the Toronto Tempo on July 5.

According to an X post from ESPN Insights, the Tempo scored just 5 points on 2 of 23 field goal attempts when either Fudd or Bueckers was the primary defender on Sunday.

The Tempo scored 0 points in 0 of 10 attempts when Fudd was the primary defender and 5 points on 2 of 13 attempts when Bueckers was the primary defender.

Meanwhile, Fudd finished the game with one block and three steals, making her the fastest guard in WNBA history to record 20 blocks in her career.

Both Fudd and Bueckers have been extremely solid this season on defense, which is a testimony of their chemistry as former Huskies under legendary coach Geno Auriemma.

With another win added, playoffs is looking more and more likely for the Wings this season, and it will be interesting to see what Fudd and Bueckers add to their skillset as the season progresses.

So, do you think the Dallas Wings are title contenders this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy