What's Going On With The WNBA

Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers dating convo stifled by Dallas Wings PR

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:16:10 +0000

The Dallas Wings selected former UConn women’s basketball star Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, making history on Monday night. Last year, the Wings selected Paige Bueckers with the top pick, making it the first time in WNBA history that former college teammates were selected No. 1 overall in consecutive years.

But there is also a deeper connection between Bueckers and Fudd.

Last year, along with teaming up to lead the Huskies to a national championship, Bueckers revealed that she and Fudd were dating. On Thursday, the discussion about their relationship resurfaced.

WATCH: Paige Bueckers’ heartwarming reaction to Azzi Fudd reunion with Dallas Wings

Reporter Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News asked Fudd during her introductory press conference if she and Bueckers were still dating, and it was immediately shut down by a Wings’ PR spokesperson.

Azzi Fudd was asked if she's still dating Paige Bueckers 🏀⭐️ pic.twitter.com/gRjNZ5bJrY

— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) April 16, 2026

“Paige announced last year on TikTok that y’all were a couple,” Sherrington asked. “I’m wondering if that’s still the case, and if so, have y’all talked to any other couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates?”

MORE: Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers link for epic backstage photo at WNBA Draft

The Wings’ PR spokesperson interrupted and said, “I understand why you have to ask that question. But we are going to respectfully decline on commenting on a player’s personal life.”

Unfortunately, that is a question that will likely resurface throughout the season.

Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Azzi Fudd poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

We will get our first look at Bueckers and Fudd back on the court together on Thursday, April 30, when they travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to take on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

Just nine days later, the two women will play in their first WNBA regular season together when they run it back against the Fever on Saturday, May 9. It’s going to be exciting to see what the duo can do together in their second stint as teammates.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

more info...

“Crazy”: WNBA Legend Questions Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Fumble That Impacted Olivia Miles Draft Outcome

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:29:10 +0000

Credits:Imagn ©Credits:Imagn

Not too long after the WNBA Draft night was over, the Chicago Sky’s decisions involving Angel Reese over the last couple of years came back to haunt them, especially with how everything turned out on the momentous night. This fumble left some league legends like Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston speechless.

The two discussed the absurdity of the situation on their Post Moves podcast, highlighting how Chicago’s decisions in 2024 gave way to Minnesota getting the second pick.

“The Lynx acquired Chicago’s pick in a last-minute trade on the eve of the draft two years ago, in 2024. The Sky sent a package of draft capital to Minnesota in order to jump up to number seven in that year’s draft and select Angel Reese,” said Parker. “So, this is why I say you have to wait a couple years to rate drafts trades because you traded Angel Reese. So basically, you got two first-round picks, right? In consecutive years, but you gave up this year’s pick, in which to me, Olivia Miles is a franchise changer. That’s crazy.”

The WNBA Draft ensures the worst-performing teams get a chance at a higher pick. So when the Minnesota Lynx drafted Olivia Miles as the second pick, it defied the entire system and left everyone wondering.

This strengthens the Lynx roster multifold, with the Minnesota franchise adding a scoring phenom to a team that led the league in scoring (86.1 points per game).

In 2024, Chicago traded with Minnesota to climb up the draft board to get Angel Reese. In that trade, the Lynx gained the option to swap the teams’ 2026 first-round picks. The 2026 WNBA Draft lottery happened in November 2025, taking into account performances over the last two seasons, and put Chicago’s pick at second.

Olivia Miles is coming off a trail-blazing 2025-26 campaign, setting multiple program records at TCU. She averaged 33.4 PRA (points, rebounds, and assists) per game in her final college basketball year, and finished her college career in the top-3 list of players with most triple-doubles (12).

She also became the only player in NCAA history to average 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in a single season. Adding such an overall player would have helped Chicago with its new ‘win-now’ mentality. And while the Sky might think others are better options, handing them over to league leaders Minnesota is criminal.

However, this also highlights the Chicago front office’s dealings. The Sky traded the very player they gave up this swap option for this offseason, with Angel Reese now part of the Atlanta Dream roster. Also, the franchise had already converted the swap option into an outright pick in a more recent trade with Minnesota in 2025.

Not only did Chicago lose the prospect of a second pick in a top-heavy 2026 draft, but they also traded away the ‘franchise player’ they had climbed up on the 2024 board for. All they received from this entire Angel Reese saga were a few picks and ended up strengthening the league leaders.

While this whole situation points fingers directly at the Chicago front office, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has provided his reasoning behind every Sky move this offseason.

Jeff Pagliocca highlights ‘win-now’ purpose behind offseason frenzy

As the dust settles on a frenetic offseason for the Chicago faithful, the moves have received mixed reactions from even the most hardcore fans. From trading away a ‘cornerstone’ star for future draft picks to their decisions on the 2026 WNBA Draft night, several questions have been raised about the thought behind these moves.

Jeff Pagliocca, though, is adamant that the front office has a ‘win-now’ mentality this year and has strengthened the roster accordingly. While the signing of seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins shows their intent to compete for the top spots, he highlighted the importance of building an immediately competitive roster around the 35-year-old behind the moves to bring in Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and DiJonai Carrington.

Pagliocca said, “We’ve had two losing seasons. So, you’re always trying to win now, as far as I’m concerned… I don’t wanna deal with Skylar Diggins every night if she doesn’t have players she cannot go to war with. So, we made sure that she understood the vision.”

Diggins is a serial winner with Team USA. Rickea is younger than Ariel Atkins but contributes similar numbers and is seen as a future All-Star. Jacy adds an efficient perimeter threat on offense while also beefing up defensive coverage.

Meanwhile, DiJonai is one of the few players to improve their contribution after coming into the WNBA. DiJonai will also add to the ‘win-now’ mentality, having reached the WNBA Finals previously with the Connecticut Sun.

Pagliocca labelled number 5 draft pick, Gabriela Jaquez, a ‘proven winner’, highlighting that the UCLA star’s mentality and three-level scoring ability make her a seamless fit into the Sky’s vision for this season.

Veteran Skylar Diggins has also highlighted her hunger to compete for the top spots after her arrival in Chicago. As many questioned her intent behind joining a Chicago team that has been rooted to the bottom for the last two years, Diggins admitted that, while being closer to home played a role in her decision, the 35-year-old intends to work equally hard as she always has.

“I’m not just coming here saying this is the end or whatever for me,” she said before adding. “I don’t think it’ll be a diminishing return. I’m committed to the work… I want to get better. That’s been my mantra since I was a kid, ‘get better.’ That’s the mindset I have here for this organization, for myself, and that’s the standard I hold myself to.”

While an immediate reversal of fortunes may not be in the cards, the fans will be relieved that Pagliocca is finally thinking and making moves to improve the results on the floor. The pressure now falls squarely on Pagliocca and Diggins to prove that mortgaging the future for today was a price worth paying.

more info...

WNBA Shoots Down Personal Question To No. 1 Pick Azzi Fudd At Press Conference

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:53:05 +0000

Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, is dating her new teammate, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers. Fudd and Bueckers played together and were in a relationship during their time at UConn, too.

It seems natural that the media would want to ask questions about what it's like to play professionally with your significant other.

But the Dallas Wings shot a question down.

Fudd was asked at her introductory press conference about her relationship with Bueckers. The Wings did not allow the question to be answered. Fudd will not be commenting on her personal life.

A reporter asked Azzi Fudd about her relationship with Paige Bueckers, but the Wings' media team said they won't be commenting on their players' personal lives. pic.twitter.com/iH3enGfoVE

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 16, 2026

Unfortunately for the Wings, though, this is only going to create a bigger story. It's more than fair to ask Fudd about her relationship with Bueckers at this point, given that her personal life has bled into her professional life.

"It's really not an unfair question and the Wings just turned it into a bigger story," WNBA insider Robin Lundberg shared on X.

Longtime sports journalist calls out the WNBA, too

Former Sports Illustrated writer Jeff Pearlman addressed this situation on a recent 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,” he said.

“Like, it is fascinating that these two people who have been dating for a long time, dating back to college, would be the starting backcourt for a team. To me, that is actually the number one piece of this story. It’s not just that they drafted Azzi Fudd, they drafted Azzi Fudd to play with her longtime partner, Paige Bueckers.”

If Fudd and Bueckers would simply address their relationship publicly, that would probably be the end of it.

Alas, they are continuing to let the speculation swirl.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

more info...

Former Indiana Fever guard signs one-year deal with blossoming WNBA foe

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:15:21 +0000

more info...

Sky HC Tyler Marsh Calls Out ‘Fake’ Narratives Amid Angel Reese Trade to Atlanta

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:09:48 +0000

Aug 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh talks to forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half of a WNBA game against the Seattle Storm at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images ©Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Angel Reese trade to the Dream left Carmelo Anthony in disbelief. Two first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 while also conceding 2028 second-round swap rights for a two-time All-Star was not something he was expecting. “Y’all are bugging,” Anthony said. It just added fuel to the fire for Chicago Sky. Last year, the Sky was voted the “worst organization” by the players in the Athletic poll. The 10-34 record had already raised red flags after some win-now moves, leading to intense criticism. Now, coach Tyler Marsh has pushed back on the “social media” narratives ahead of the 2026 season.

It has been a busy offseason for the Sky. After the Angel Reese trade, they have brought in some elite talent. Skylar Diggins arrives as an elite floor general from the Storm. They traded Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson to add young talent. Azurá Stevens returned to Chicago. The Sky even managed to get DiJonai Carrington away from the Minnesota Lynx. Marsh used these top-of-the-line signings as an example of why the narratives are “fake.”

“Players are aware of the negative things that get said. We’re all engaged in social media and what’s going on around us,” Marsh said in the press conference. “But Skylar has been around this league long enough to know what’s real and what’s fake, and there’s a reason she wanted to be here.”

The narratives have not been without reason. This offseason, the Sky traded two second-round draft picks for the expansion teams to not pick their players in the draft. The same squad that they are now rebuilding. The Reese trade is understandable because of lingering tension from last year.

Yet, it felt like they were falling into old patterns, like in the case of Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Kahleah Copper, and Gabby Williams. However, the franchise has bounced back and the players are backing the management.

Skylar Diggins cited proximity to her home, Notre Dame, and her family as one of her major reasons for moving to Chicago. However, she also ensured the franchise was heading in the right path. “Just listening to the direction of the Chicago Sky, talking to Tyler, talking to Jeff, I thought this was going to be a great fit for me,” she said. Marsh further shut down the narratives that Rickea Jackson is involuntarily in Chicago.

Jul 19, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Collier guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts in the fourth quarter against Team Clark in the 2025 WNBA All Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“There’s some discernment there that she’s able to recognize. I know one of your reporters mentioned that Rickea didn’t have much of a say in her trade, but players do have a lot of say nowadays,” Marsh said. “If she didn’t want to be part of what we’re building, she could voice that.”

The Sky corrected one of their major blunders with this trade. Conceding the No. 3 pick (Sonia Citron) and a 2027 first-round swap for Atkins last offseason was a disaster. But Jackson’s addition can make up for the losses. There was no solid reporting that Jackson had no say in it. While Jackson admitted that the “timeline was very fast,” she maintained excitement for the fresh start.

“You don’t get an Azura that left and want to come back here if you’re not doing things the right way,” Marsh further said. “As much as people want to speak on the negative, make sure you’re speaking about the things we do well just as loudly.”

The Sky has certainly built a competitive roster. But there is also the role of the new facility in these signings. Many players in the past have expressed disdain for Sky’s practice facility, the Sachs Recreation Center. Most recently, it was Rebecca Allen who described her experience in Chicago as “a little bit miserable. ” But Jeff Pagliocca and Tyler Marsh seem to have learned from their past mistakes.

Chicago Sky Plan a Playoff Push Despite Losing Angel Reese

Last couple of seasons, Angel Reese was the major contributor in almost every win. She was a walking double-double, averaging 14.1 points, 2.1 assists and 12.9 rebounds while making two All-Star Teams. She was the centerpiece of this project. It’s very rare that a team can improve after losing such a talent. But even with her gone, Jeff Pagliocca is confident that the Sky will aim for the top.

“We couldn’t be more proud of that last week and the draft,” Pagliocca said. We felt like we had a plan, we stuck to it, and we got our targets. We’re looking to compete with the best teams in the league, so I’m not going to give you a number, but we’re going to try to go after everybody.”

The team has a little bit of everything. Skylar Diggins averaged 15.5 points and 6 assists per game for Storm last year and brings experience. DiJonai Carrington adds defensive impact and hustle after averaging 1.2 steals per game for the Lynx while averaging just 16.6 minutes. Courtney Vandersloot is a more than capable backup point guard while coming off an ACL injury.

They retain Kamilla Cardoso in the paint, who will bring the size. Azura Stevens partly consolidates the rebounding lost in Reese as she averaged 8 rebounds and 12.8 points last year. The team is built to be miles better than last year but there are questions to be answered. Can they gel with so many new pieces? Marsh is still an inexperienced coach and will need to prove himself. Nevertheless, the offseason has constructed an all-around team, now it is up to the execution.

more info...

Liberty re-sign Betnijah Laney-Hamilton; GM touts guard/forward's health after missing 2025 season

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:41:58 +0000

The Liberty have re-signed Benijah Laney-Hamilton, marking the return of a fan-favorite player and a big part of the 2024 WNBA championship team.

“Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is foundational to who we are as an organization,” said GM Jonathan Kolb, in a statement. “Betnijah is a rare player in this league: trusted and respected by her teammates and our fanbase, and feared by the opponents she takes on every night. Betnijah is as healthy as she’s been in years, and her presence elevates everything we do on both ends of the floor. Quite simply, the WNBA is better when Betnijah is a part of it, and having her back on the floor means a great deal to this franchise.”

After spending the first five seasons of her career with Chicago, Connecticut, Indiana and Atlanta, Laney-Hamilton joined the Liberty ahead of the 2021 season and made an immediate impact.

That first season, she averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists and was named to her first All-Star team.

Laney-Hamilton has played 109 games (103 starts) with the Liberty, averaging 13.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in New York.

Laney-Hamilton missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a meniscus injury in her knee while playing in the Unrivaled 3x3 league during the offseason that required surgery.

The Liberty’s signing of Laney-Hamilton is another notable addition this offseason. New York has already signed All-Star Satou Sabally and re-signed Jonquel Jones.

more info...

2026 WNBA Draft hits near-record viewership numbers

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:42:16 +0000

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

2026 WNBA Draft hits near-record viewership numbers appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Following the successful WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York on Monday, the league will welcome another batch of fresh faces when the new season unfurls in May.

Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, Seattle Storm teammates Awa Fam Thiam and Flau’jae Johnson, Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts, and Chicago Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez are just some of the newcomers to watch out for after the WNBA Draft.

Many tuned in to watch where the top prospects would land, especially since it was among the deepest pools in recent memory.

In fact, ESPN noted that it was the second-most-watched WNBA Draft in history. It garnered 1.5 million viewers, up by 20% year on year. The viewership peaked at 1.8 million viewers.

It surpassed last year’s WNBA Draft, which had 1.25 million viewers. The Wings selected guard Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 selection.

The most-watched edition ever was in 2024, wherein Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was the top overall pick. It garnered 2.45 million viewers.

This year’s WNBA Draft was another testament to the league’s growing popularity. More are getting interested in the WNBA, which has long clamored for nationwide attention and has enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years.

The new season, the 30th of the WNBA, should continue to attract wider viewership, along with improved gate attendance and better merchandise sales.

With the arrival of another talented rookie class, two new squads in the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, the player movements in the offseason, and the successful negotiation for a new collective bargaining agreement, the upcoming season could be the best one yet.

Related: Valkyries, Storm GMs reveal shocking WNBA draft trade came together before picks were even known

Related: WNBA’s Cathy Engelbert gives sharp response to question about her job

more info...

Chicago Sky GM's Latest Statement Causes a Stir

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:05:00 +0000

The Chicago Sky have made plenty of moves this offseason, starting with the Angel Reese trade. The team sent its two-time All-Star to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two first-round picks.

After that, the Sky continued to revamp their roster, adding the likes of Azura Stevens, Skylar Diggins and DiJonai Carrington in free agency. They also traded for Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon, while re-signing Rachel Banham, Elizabeth Williams and Courtney Vandersloot.

During the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, Chicago picked Gabriela Jaquez at No. 5. The front office also added Latasha Lattimore and Tonie Morgan in the second and third rounds, respectively.

While the Reese trade was met with criticism, especially since she was undoubtedly Chicago's best player in the past two seasons, the Sky's roster improvement was certainly noteworthy.

Chicago Sky rookie Gabriela Jaquez poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, during the Sky's introductory press conference for their new signings, Chicago General Manager Jeff Pagliocca discussed the team's offseason moves and explained their approach when it comes to bringing in talent to the roster.

According to Pagliocca, they had the "win-now" mentality when it came to their recruitment, adding that players like Stevens and Diggins need to "feel confident" about the roster they were building.

"I don't wanna deal with Skylar Diggins every night if she doesn't have players she can go to war with," Pagliocca stated, per Bleacher Report.

However, fans couldn't help but feel conflicted about Pagliocca's statement, especially since the Sky just endured two straight losing seasons, failing to win more than 15 games in each of those campaigns.

Several supporters questioned why Pagliocca only had this approach this offseason.

"He said we are at least trying to win now. So what y’all trying to do the last two seasons?" a commenter wrote. Another one said, "interesting, where was this mindset last offseason."

Others pointed out how Reese asked for the same from the team last season, but she was instead suspended for it. For what it's worth, the WNBA star told the media that she would reconsider her future with the franchise if the team doesn't show commitment to winning.

"But couldn’t do it for angel…" a poster added. A fourth critic shared, "Where was this mentality when Angel was asking for this?"

Others, however, were supportive of the Sky and the new direction they have taken.

"Nothing wrong with what he said," a fan stated. A supporter noted, "Love this for them!"

It remains to be seen how the Sky will perform in the 2026 season, but with the changes they made, hopes are high that they can compete better when the new campaign kicks off on May 8.

Related: Atlanta Dream's Parting Message to Brittney Griner After Free Agency Exit

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

more info...