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Azzi Fudd's impressive rookie season with the Dallas Wings has come to an end after the team announced Wednesday that the star guard will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.
Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's WNBA Draft, is scheduled to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on her right knee after experiencing lingering soreness for several weeks. The procedure is expected to take place early next week in Connecticut. She will begin her rehabilitation immediately after the surgery as she works toward a return to the court.
The 5-foot-11 guard last appeared for the Wings on Aug. 5 against the Washington Mystics. With fewer than five weeks remaining in the WNBA regular season, the injury brings an early conclusion to what had been a standout debut campaign for the rookie.
Fudd entered the professional ranks after a decorated college career at UConn, where she earned consensus first-team All-American honors during her final season. She also helped the Huskies capture the NCAA championship before making the jump to the WNBA.
The rookie guard made an immediate impact in Dallas and added another milestone to her resume earlier this year when she became the first rookie in WNBA history to win the league's 3-Point Contest.
Through 30 games this season, Fudd averaged 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.73 steals and 0.83 blocks per game. Her production placed her among the league's top rookies across several statistical categories.
Fudd currently leads all WNBA rookies in steals, ranks second in blocks and sits third in scoring. She has also set franchise rookie records for both steals and 3-pointers made, highlighting her impact on both ends of the floor.
The Wings will now have to navigate the final stretch of the regular season without one of their most promising young players. Fudd's absence will also end her first professional season earlier than expected, following a campaign in which she quickly established herself as one of the league's leading rookies.
The team has not provided a specific timetable for her recovery beyond confirming that rehabilitation will begin following the procedure. Further updates on her condition and progress are expected as she begins the recovery process.
