The whole suspense is finally over with Dallas Wings selecting Azzi Fudd as the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, and later, 14 other teams filled in their top-choice players. The star became the seventh UConn star and fourth UConn guard selected at the first position, extending the record of the storied program.
Apart from her selection, another thing in the discussion was the salary she would receive under the new CBA, as fans so far saw a gradual improvement in the rookie salaries, but the new CBA promised to be the biggest breakthrough for the WNBA players.
Azzi Fudd To Receive $424,000 More Than Caitlin Clark Made As Rookie
Cathy Engelbert promised a blockbuster CBA deal, and the values did blow everyone’s mind. As for the rookies, the first overall pick will receive a $500,000 first-year salary, which is much higher than the entire rookie contract of the 2025 rookies.
Last season, Paige Bueckers received $78,831 in her first season, while Caitlin Clark, who is seen at the heart of the CBA salary value explosion, also received $76,535 in her first season.
Azzi Fudd will earn $500,000 in her rookie season with the Dallas Wings, which is a massive $424,000 MORE than what Caitlin Clark made during her rookie year in 2024 ($76,832), per @people
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) April 15, 2026
The WNBA’s new CBA is officially changing the financial landscape of the league. pic.twitter.com/xf6IN5hec9
Importantly, it’s not only the first overall picks receiving the massive sum, but the top 15 players selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft will also make an average of $386,000 in their first year in the league. Last year, first-round picks made an average of $75,000.
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As for the player, it’s more about the game than about the salaries as she spoke in the interview about her WNBA entry.
Azzi Fudd Talks About Joining Paige Bueckers At Dallas Wings
Playing alongside PB at UConn makes it easier for the Wings’ 2026 pick to adjust to the pro life. But on the court, their combination would be deadly and impactful for the Texas franchise.
Talking about her WNBA entry, Fudd said, “I feel like there’s still so much left on the table and so much unknown – just so much potential – with not just her but the entire Dallas Wings roster. I can’t wait obviously to play with her again but to play with every single one of them.”
"I feel like there's still so much left on the table and so much unknown – just so much potential – with not just her but the entire Dallas Wings roster. I can't wait obviously to play with her again but to play with every single one of them."
— UConn Women’s Basketball Videos (@SNYUConn) April 14, 2026
– Azzi Fudd on Paige Bueckers pic.twitter.com/OEq1hvx8vE
Her contribution would be important for the side as she could immediately get a start for the team, where the Wings’ starting lineup ranks fifth in the league so far.