Azzi Fudd has settled one of the most anticipated questions in women’s college basketball by announcing that she will bypass the 2025 WNBA Draft and return for her final season at the University of Connecticut.
This decision isn’t unexpected for Fudd, who has dealt with an ACL tear and other injuries since joining UConn in 2021. Her return gives her the chance to play a fully healthy season and also take advantage of the evolving WNBA collective bargaining agreement, which is currently under negotiation between the league and the players’ union. At UConn, under the guidance of coach Geno Auriemma, Fudd will continue to benefit from her lucrative NIL deals, which include partnerships with brands like Buick, Chipotle, and DoorDash.
“Her team and our (internal) team work well together,” said Catherine Zuppani, UConn’s associate athletic director of external operations and NIL strategy. “The opportunity with our brand and what Geno has built is incredible, and brands are eager to work with us. They’ll want to work with [Fudd] even more.”
Fudd, who was expected to be a first-round pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, didn’t mention financial gain in her decision. Instead, she emphasized her discussions with Auriemma, explaining that an additional season allows her to “work on everything” she still needs to improve on.
“She’s going to get another year of excellent coaching from Geno Auriemma,” said Carol Stiff, former ESPN vice president of women’s sports programming & acquisitions. “Her career has been interrupted too many times. Now she can build her own name and not be overshadowed by [UConn teammate] Paige [Bueckers].”
With Bueckers expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, Fudd will likely take on a more prominent role at UConn, which could boost her draft prospects. Additionally, the upcoming WNBA rookie salary scale is expected to increase under the new collective bargaining agreement, providing Fudd with a potentially higher salary when she enters the league.
For context, former Iowa star Caitlin Clark received a rookie salary of $76,535 as the No. 1 pick last year, and Bueckers is set to earn $78,831 in 2025 if selected first. The previously projected rookie salary for 2026 was $81,196, but it’s expected to rise as part of the ongoing CBA discussions.
Fudd’s choice to stay at Connecticut for her final season not only keeps her in the hunt for a national championship but also sets her up for a better financial future in the WNBA. Meanwhile, Fudd and the Huskies are focused on securing this year’s title, with No. 2-seed UConn preparing to face No. 3-seed Oklahoma in a Sweet 16 game on Saturday.
