The UConn Huskies are leading the race for the NCAA Championship, putting in another ‘flawless season’. The side tops the national ranking and also enters the NCAAW tournament as defending champions. As the team prepares for the championship run, its top player, Azzi Fudd, described UConn’s calm confidence entering the knockout tournaments.
While the player herself was clinical on the floor, she received top recognition off the court, signing an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with one of the top brands in the sports industry: Jordan.
Azzi Fudd Signs With Jordan Brand
The UConn Huskies’ commendable season handed Sarah Strong and Fudd nominations in the 2026 Naismith Player Of The Year award. While both players showcased their dominance on the floor, off the court, they are also making serious noise.
According to reports, Jordan Brand signed the senior guard to an NIL contract, making her the newest addition to their ‘star-studded family’, which already includes Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, and Dearica Hamby.
With college stars like Kiki Rice and Sarah Strong also on the list, Fudd became the third active collegiate star to sign with the mega brand.
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Excited by the collab, Fudd said, “I grew up watching what the Jumpman meant to basketball and to the culture around the game. So becoming part of the Jordan Brand family represents what I am stepping into and the greatness that I aspire to be.”
“To wear the same logo that so many legends have worn is something I don’t take lightly. For me, it’s about honoring that legacy while also helping show what the next generation of women’s basketball looks like,” the 22-year-old added.
The player spoke about legacy and confidence going into the national championship tournament, but is now under scrutiny ahead of the WNBA draft, especially amid the high expectations for the young star in one of the deepest draft classes in recent history.
Azzi Fudd Ready For WNBA Challenge
Many mock drafts project the versatile player as the top pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, and she lived up to the hype with her performances on both ends of the floor. Fans are even looking at how Fudd would fit with the Dallas Wings and Paige Bueckers, making a dream reunion of the Huskies champion duo. But the player is focused on the task at hand right now.
In her ‘Fudd Around And Find Out’ podcast, the star said, “I’ve been very intentional this year about not letting myself get wrapped in the future and what’s next. I don’t have a say in where I get to go, so no matter what team drafts me, there are going to be pros and cons to each. And I’ll be sure to find the pros in all of it.”
"No matter what team, where I'm drafted, there's gonna be pros and cons to each and I'll make sure to find the pros in all of it." Love this attitude from Azzi.https://t.co/DUedN0fOAt pic.twitter.com/47L2Ok7Zsx
— Fuck ICE (@SwishTales) January 2, 2026
The player enters the NCAA tournament with a positive mindset and is also looking at the bright sides of her WNBA draft selections, which is why the Jordan brand has taken the influential star as its representative in the NCAA.