WNBA rookie sensation Paige Bueckers confirmed that she is dating her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd, sending fans and media into a frenzy. The announcement came during a viral WAG Talk interview at the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend, finally confirming years of speculation about their close friendship and rumored romance.
The revelation not only made headlines—it also spotlighted their combined cultural and financial power, with an estimated net worth between $7 and $10 million. From UConn champions to media darlings, Bueckers and Fudd are now officially the WNBA’s next-generation power couple.
🔍 Key Facts or Breaking News Details
The long-awaited confirmation happened in front of cameras during a playful Q&A session. Bueckers smiled as she confidently answered questions about Fudd—from her high school roots to her now-famous pink phone case labeled “Paige Bueckers’ Girlfriend.” When the interviewer asked for the name of her “D1 girlfriend,” Bueckers casually dropped, “It’s Azzi Fudd.”
The internet erupted. On X (formerly Twitter), fans called it the “REALL hard launch,” while TikTok users praised the couple’s authenticity. Fellow WNBA star NaLyssa Smith chimed in with, “Awwwww my baby’s all grown up,” and Gatorade—Fudd’s longtime sponsor—playfully tweeted, “We were worried for a second there.”
The announcement followed weeks of escalating clues, including Fudd’s June 21 Instagram Story showing her phone case and a July vacation photo featuring the two together. Appearances at WNBA games, red carpet events like the 2025 ESPYs, and subtle social media moments had fans on high alert. But this was the confirmation the world had been waiting for—and it didn’t disappoint.
💖 The “Pazzi” Romance: Relationship Timeline
The love story between Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd began long before the WNBA headlines. The two first met at a USA Basketball U16 camp in 2017, and their bond grew as two of the top high school prospects in the country. Bueckers, the 2020 Gatorade National Player of the Year, was instrumental in recruiting Fudd to UConn, where she would later join as the 2021 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
At UConn, injuries delayed their on-court partnership—Bueckers battled a meniscus tear, while Fudd endured two ACL tears—but they finally got their moment in the 2024–25 season, leading the Huskies to an NCAA Championship with a commanding 82–59 win over South Carolina. Fudd scored 24 points and earned Most Outstanding Player, while Bueckers added 17 points and 6 assists.
Off the court, their chemistry was just as obvious. They quarantined together during the 2020 pandemic, appeared in countless TikToks, and often wore each other’s jerseys. When Bueckers was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Fudd was by her side, hugging her first. Their joint red carpet appearance, where Bueckers wore a sparkly tailored suit and Fudd stunned in a flowing black gown, was labeled a “soft launch” by fans. That label didn’t last long.
💸 Net Worth and Financial Breakdown
Paige Bueckers: WNBA Star and Marketing Magnet
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $5–$7 million
Bueckers’ financial portfolio began long before the WNBA. At UConn, she was a NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)superstar, reportedly earning $1 million annually. Her partnerships with brands like Gatorade, Nike, Chegg, and Dunkin’ made her one of the most marketable athletes in college sports history.
After five seasons at UConn, she was drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Wings, signing a four-year rookie deal worth $324,524. In 2025, she earned a base salary of $74,952, set to increase annually to $85,690 by 2028. Her WNBA rookie campaign, averaging 18.2 points and 5.5 assists, made her an early favorite for Rookie of the Year.
NIL & WNBA Earnings Breakdown:
- College NIL (2020–2025): ~$5 million
- WNBA (2025): ~$75,000
- Net Earnings (After Taxes/Fees): $3.04–$3.55 million
Endorsements:
Bueckers continues to work with Gatorade ($500K–$1M/year) and Nike, which signed her in 2022 to a deal rumored to include a signature shoe line in development. Other brand partners include Bose, Nerf, and Dunkin’.
- Endorsement Revenue (2021–2025): $7–$10 million
- Net After Taxes/Fees: $4–$6 million
Media Ventures:
- ESPN, GMA, WAG Talk appearances: $100K–$200K annually
- Social Media Sponsored Posts (2.5M IG followers): $50K–$100K per post
- Total Media Earnings: $500K–$1 million → $300K–$600K net
Total Net Worth (2025): $5–$7 million
Azzi Fudd: NCAA Champion & Rising Media Star
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $2–$3 million
Fudd chose to remain at UConn for her senior season, bypassing the 2025 WNBA Draft despite being a projected top-three pick. Her NIL portfolio, however, rivals most professionals.
She signed with Gatorade in 2018, becoming the brand’s youngest sponsored athlete at just 16. Since then, she’s joined Stephen Curry’s SC30 brand, BioSteel, and most recently launched her podcast, Fudd Around and Find Out, with Unanimous Media.
NIL & College Earnings:
- NIL Estimated Value (2021–2025): $600K/year
- Total College NIL: $2.4 million
- Scholarships/Stipends: ~$100K–$150K
- Net Earnings (After Taxes/Fees): $1.5–$1.85 million
Media Ventures:
- Podcast Revenue (2025): $200K–$300K
- TV & Media Appearances: $50K–$100K
- Social Media (1.2M IG followers): $20K–$50K per sponsored post
- Total Media Revenue: $300K–$500K → $180K–$300K net
Endorsements:
- Gatorade, BioSteel, SC30 Brand: $500K–$700K/year
- Total Endorsement Revenue (2021–2025): $1.5–$2 million
- Net After Taxes/Fees: $900K–$1.2 million
Total Net Worth (2025): $2–$3 million
🌟 Cultural and Brand Impact
The public confirmation of the Bueckers-Fudd relationship—dubbed “Pazzi” by fans—marked more than a viral moment. It aligned with the WNBA’s rising cultural clout and embrace of LGBTQ+ visibility. The two are among a growing number of queer athletes who are not just tolerated but celebrated.
Their story is genuine, backed by years of history and trust. The viral TikToks, the red carpet hugs, the holding hands courtside—it’s all real. Their authenticity has not only endeared them to fans but has also boosted their brand value, making them ideal partners for lifestyle, fashion, and wellness brands looking for representation that resonates.
💬 Fan and Media Reactions
The internet couldn’t get enough. Fans on X wrote in all caps, “PAIGE BUECKERS JUST CONFIRMED SHES DATING AZZI FUDD OHHH MY GOOOOOD.” TikTok edits and reaction videos flooded timelines. Even sports media outlets like ESPN, Autostraddle, and Bleacher Report picked up the story, calling it “the softest and most iconic launch of the WNBA season.”
Some critics raised questions about privacy, especially regarding videos recorded without consent. But the overwhelming reaction has been positive. Their willingness to own their story, on their terms, has only deepened the admiration.
📌 The Distinct Athlete Angle
This is the exact kind of legacy we spotlight at Distinct Athlete. Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are showing that authenticity, love, and high-level performance can exist side-by-side. Their combined $7–$10 million net worth is impressive, but it’s their cultural capital that might be worth even more.
From NIL deals to podcasts to national championships, these two are building something that extends far beyond basketball. Their story serves as a blueprint for how athletes—especially women and LGBTQ+ athletes—can own their brand, build real wealth, and inspire a generation.
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💬 Join the Conversation
Do you think Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s romance is the future of WNBA branding? Can athlete couples change the game?
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