Geno Auriemma talks WNBA growth
Geno Auriemma sits down with USA TODAY and shares his thoughts on WNBA growth, coverage and women’s basketball, as well as the new upcoming docuseries ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies’ on Apple TV.
Sports Seriously
Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, is out for the rest of the season.
The Dallas Wings rookie will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to address “ongoing right knee soreness,” according to an announcement from the team Wednesday.
Fudd is set to have the procedure in Connecticut early next week. The Wings have eight games remaining in the regular season and a 20-16 record as they sit at No. 8 in the league’s standings, right on the edge of playoff contention.
In her rookie season, Fudd averaged 13.1 points, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals over 30 games with 24 points. Her last appearance was two weeks ago, and she still leads all rookies this season in both 3-pointers (62) and steals (52).
Fudd also became the first rookie in WNBA history to win the 3-point shooting contest during last month’s All-Star weekend. She credited the accomplishment, in part, to her long experience battling injuries throughout her career. Even during her time playing for decorated UConn head coach Geno Auriemma with current teammate Paige Bueckers, Fudd missed games with multiple lower leg issues.
In a statement released via the Instagram page for her podcast, “Fudd Around and Find Out,” the guard acknowledged her familiar situation and thanked fans for their support.
“I’ve got a small procedure coming up on my knee, and I’ll be out as I recover,” Fudd said. “I know exactly what comes next: rehab, put in the work, come back ready and better than before. Grateful for my family, my circle, and the Wings organization for the support. Thank you for all the messages today. They meant a lot to me.”
Fudd and Wings teammate Aziaha James were both at Wednesday’s practice but did not participate during the media viewing portion.
When asked about their respective injury statuses, first-year Wings coach Jose Fernandez said there were no new updates to share.
The Wings host the Indiana Fever, winners of five straight, on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video).