Azzi Fudd has answered one of the biggest questions in women’s college basketball. The University of Connecticut star has decided to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and return to play her final season with the Huskies.
Staying at UConn is not a surprising move for Fudd, who looks to put together a fully healthy campaign after being hampered by an ACL tear and other injuries since arriving in 2021. Additionally, it positions Fudd to reap the benefits of a new WNBA collective bargaining agreement, which is being negotiated between the players union and the league. While at UConn, led by longtime coach Geno Auriemma, Fudd will continue to benefit from her NIL portfolio which already includes major brands such as Buick, Chipotle and DoorDash.
“Her team and our (internal) team work well together,” UConn associate athletic director of external operations and NIL strategy Catherine Zuppani said in an interview. “The opportunity with our brand and what Geno has built is incredible and the brands love working with us. And they’ll be looking to work with [Fudd] even more.”
Fudd, who was projected to be a first-round WNBA draft pick this year, didn’t mention money when announcing her decision. Instead, in an interview with ESPN, she pointed to close conversations she had with Auriemma, telling the outlet that another season allows her to “work on everything” she needs to work on.
“She’s going to get another year of terrific coaching by Geno Auriemma,” former ESPN vice president of women’s sports programming & acquisitions Carol Stiff said in a phone interview. “Her career has been cut short way too [much]. Now she can build some buzz around her own name and not hide behind [UConn teammate] Paige [Bueckers].”
With Bueckers projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in April’s WNBA Draft, Fudd is slated to become UConn’s main option, potentially elevating her draft stock. Also, she will potentially earn a greater salary in the WNBA next season, as the rookie scales are expected to increase with a new CBA.
For comparison, former Iowa star Caitlin Clark earned a rookie salary of $76,535 as the No. 1 overall pick last season, and Bueckers will receive $78,831 in 2025 if she is selected first overall. The previously set rookie salary for 2026 was $81,196, but that will almost certainly increase in the ongoing CBA negotiations.
Fudd’s decision to return to Connecticut for her final year of eligibility positions her to not just chase a national championship but also positions herself for a brighter financial future after her college career. In the meantime, Fudd and the Huskies remain focused on this year’s title chase with No. 2-seed UConn set to face No. 3-seed Oklahoma in a Sweet 16 game on Saturday.
