Kenya, July 20 -- Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers confirmed her romance with UConn star Azzi Fudd during a WNBA All-Star Weekend interview, delighting fans who have long speculated about their relationship.
The announcement, made on the orange carpet at a WAG Talk segment on July 17, saw Bueckers reveal that Fudd, her former UConn teammate, is her "D1 girlfriend", sparking a frenzy on social media.
The couple's chemistry, evident since their college days, has fuelled a wave of excitement, with their story trending across social platforms, where fans celebrate their bond.
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and Azzi Fudd, a projected top pick for 2026, have been inseparable since meeting at a USA Basketball U16 camp in 2017.
Their journey from teammates to romantic partners culminated in a national championship win with UConn in April 2025, where Fudd earned Most Outstanding Player honours.
Bueckers, now averaging 18.4 points and 5.8 assists with the Wings, became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 50 assists, solidifying her as a Rookie of the Year favourite.
Fudd, meanwhile, is preparing for her final UConn season, having averaged 13.6 points last year despite past ACL injuries.
Their shared history, marked by mutual support through injuries and triumphs, has endeared them to fans globally, including in Kenya, where basketball interest is growing.
The romance gained traction with Fudd's June 21 Instagram Story, showcasing a phone case reading "Paige Bueckers' Girlfriend" in hot pink lettering, which fans dubbed a "hard launch".
The post, shared during a salon visit, went viral, with Overtime WBB reposting it and joking, "pretends to be shocked." Bueckers fuelled speculation further with flirty Instagram Stories, including panting emojis over Fudd's lavender ESPYs gown and a cowboy-themed FaceTime call while Fudd was on a family cruise.
Their public displays, from hand-holding at a Wings game in Phoenix to matching necklaces with "A" and "P" charms, have kept the "Pazzi" fandom buzzing.
Bueckers' WAG Talk interview, where she answered questions about Fudd's high school, Gatorade Player of the Year title, and phone case, was a pivotal moment.
"It says 'Paige Bueckers' girlfriend'," she confirmed with a grin, admitting the reveal was unintentional, saying, "I didn't even mean for that to happen."
The light-hearted exchange, coupled with Fudd's courtside appearances at Wings games, has solidified their status as a WNBA power couple.
Fudd's support, from attending Bueckers' draft night to cheering in a Wings jersey, highlights their bond, which fans compare to soccer stars Christen Press and Tobin Heath.
Their relationship also carries cultural weight, with outlets like Outsports noting their "quietly coming out" approach, a trend among female LGBTQ athletes who share their lives subtly.
Fans have praised their authenticity, with one writing, "My jaw dropped for 20 minutes," while another called it "so beautiful". Bueckers' media savvy, praised by Fudd for its honesty, has helped her navigate fame, while Fudd's growing comfort in interviews reflects their mutual influence.
Their story resonates beyond basketball, touching on themes of love, resilience, and representation, especially as Fudd prepares for her WNBA debut, potentially alongside Bueckers if the Wings secure a high 2026 draft pick.
The couple's off-court moments, like TikTok dances, an Oreo ad in pink outfits, and a viral dinner bill skit captioned "Princess treatment every time I'm with her", showcase their playful dynamic.
Bueckers even credits Fudd as her "basketball shoe stylist", choosing her game-day sneakers and adding a personal touch to her WNBA journey. As Google Trends shows spikes in searches for "Paige Bueckers Azzi Fudd romance" and "WNBA couple 2025", their story captivates a global audience, including Kenyan fans following women's basketball.
With Bueckers starting in the All-Star Game and Fudd's draft looming, their love story continues to inspire, blending athletic excellence with heartfelt connection.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.