The Dallas Wings shut down a reporter’s question to Azzi Fudd about her longterm relationship with teammate Paige Bueckers.
Azzi and Paige won an NCAA National Championship together at UConn.
During an introductory press conference for Azzi, a reporter said, “Paige announced last year on TikTok that y’all were a couple. And I’m wondering if that’s still the case? And if so, if y’all have talked to any other [lesbian] couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates?”
Before Azzi could answer the reporter’s question, the team’s publicist said, “I understand why you have to ask that question, but we’re gonna respectfully decline from commenting on our players’ personal lives.”
Azzi Fudd was asked if she’s still dating her Dallas Wings teammate Paige Bueckers.
Wings PR refused to allow Fudd to answer ? pic.twitter.com/wDqNrjdHtJ
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 16, 2026
The Dallas Wings picked Azzi No. 1 overall in Monday’s WNBA draft. WNBA fans say that the Wings tanked their season to get Azzi. So why don’t they want reporters to ask questions about the young couple?
Former Sports Illustrated writer Jeff Pearlman said in a TikTok post:
“Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers are in a long-term relationship, and nobody’s mentioning it. And the WNBA clearly has asked people not to mention it. And it’s very journalistically confusing to me.”
In 2025, the same Dallas Wings acquired NaLyssa Smith (right) from the Indiana Fever so she could play with her then-girlfriend, DiJonai Carrington (left). But the two women broke up and both were traded to other teams.
The WNBA currently has 4 or more teams with lesbian couples and the entire league is 80% LGBTQIA+.
Concerning the Azzi question from the reporter, as someone who, until recently, worked in journalism for more than a decade after my teaching career, I have to say it would almost be a dereliction of duty for a true journalist not to ask the question. It is Azzi’s right not to…
— Adrienne Ross | The Adrienne Ross Show on YT (@Adrienne2012) April 16, 2026
Why do women in the WNBA date each other openly, but they want the press to ignore it or not ask about it. You all make it very public but you want press to ignore it. Doesn’t work like that.
— CCFC-New season (@sohali2012) April 16, 2026
