Azzi Fudd's rookie salary will dwarf those of Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark
The newest members of the WNBA heard their name called by commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the 2026 WNBA Draft. They also heard dollar signs.
The newest members of the WNBA not only heard their name called by commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 13, they likely heard dollar signs thanks to a historic collective bargaining agreement . Azzi Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings , marking the second consecutive player from UConn to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Wings after Paige Bueckers' selection in 2025 .
Yet, Fudd will make significantly more than Bueckers on her rookie contract. The disparity between Fudd and Caitlin Clark 's rookie contracts is even greater. Clark was drafted No.
1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft and made $76,535 in her first season in the league. Bueckers made a little more with a $78,831 rookie salary in 2025. Clark and Bueckers' paydays pale in comparison to what Fudd is set to bring in during her first year in Dallas.
Fudd is projected to make $500,000 on her rookie contract in 2026, according to Spotrac. Her salary will grow to $520,000 in 2027, $572,000 in 2028, with a team option of $646,360 available in 2029. Fudd is excited about more than a paycheck.