“Azzi Fudd was the number one draft pick because she earned it,” Bueckers said during a press conference, via reporter Landon Thomas. “It had nothing to do with me, and everything to do with who she is as a human being, as a basketball player, her resilience, her strength, and her career-year in UConn. Azzi is her own great individual person and she should be celebrated as such.“

Bueckers went on to say her personal relationship with Fudd is no one’s business but their own. As she answered a question from the media on the topic—which is one of the biggest storylines going into the 2026 WNBA season—Bueckers made it clear this would be the lone time she addressed the issue.

Why was there such a loud buzz behind the pick?

As soon as the Wings‘ first overall pick in 2026 was announced, social media exploded with fans questioning the decision. Many believed Fudd wasn’t the best prospect in her class. Prospects such as Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and international standout Awa Fam Thiam were ranked above Fudd by some analysts.

Make no mistake, Fudd is one of the best in the country, and she was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2021 for a reason. However, she has battled injuries early in her career, and the fact she was drafted by the organization that selected her girlfriend, Bueckers, first overall in 2025 raised some suspicion. However, it’s not like the Wings reached with their selection.

Still, the front office in Dallas knew what would happen by drafting Fudd. Now, they expect the on-the-court product in May and beyond to be worth the headaches in April.

Did Bueckers’ presence play a role?

Bueckers firmly denied having anything to do with the selection, but it’s hard to believe the face of the franchise wasn’t asked for her two cents or wasn’t in the room when discussing what route the Wings should take in the 2026 WNBA Draft. One way or another, Bueckers’ presence may have played a role.

Perhaps Dallas knew selecting Fudd would keep Bueckers on its good side. The Wings finished the 2025 campaign with a 10–34 record, that earned them the first overall pick in 2026, and drafting Fudd out of college may have been the easiest way to keep the franchise savior happy.

When does the 2026 WNBA season start?

The 2026 WNBA season will tip off on May 8 with a tripleheader. The Connecticut Sun will visit the New York Liberty, the Washington Mystics will take on the Toronto Tempo in Canada, and the Golden State Valkyries will play at the home of the Seattle Storm. As for Dallas, its schedule will open with a bang.

Bueckers, Fudd, and the Wings will take on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Talk about making a first impression, with the duo of Bueckers and Fudd taking on the face of the WNBA.

“I feel like there’s still so much left on the table and so much unknown… I can’t wait, obviously, to play with her again, but to play with every single one of them,” Fudd stated to the press.

The team led by Jose Fernandez will have an interesting season opener: May 9 vs the Indiana Fever. Can the coach get his stars to click and deliver a big statement win in the WNBA?

Fudd’s leap to the WNBA

During her final season at UConn, Azzi Fudd reminded the world why she is considered one of the purest shooters in basketball history. Starting all 39 games, she averaged a career-high 17.7 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Her efficiency was historic, posting shooting splits of 48.9% from the field, 45.5% from three-point range, and an nearly perfect 95.5% from the free-throw line. Fudd led the entire nation with 117 made three-pointers, the fourth-most in UConn single-season history, cementing her legacy as a 2026 First-Team All-American and the eventual #1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Bueckers looks to improve on her rookie season

Last year, Bueckers delivered a historic rookie season with the Wings, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. She captured the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award after becoming the first rookie in league history to average 15+ points and 5+ assists while shooting over 45% from the field.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Bueckers aims to elevate her efficiency and playmaking, a goal made much more attainable by the arrival of her longtime friend and former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd.

With Fudd’s elite floor-spacing and sharpshooting (45.5% from 3 in her final college season), Bueckers will have more room to operate and a trusted perimeter threat to boost her assist numbers as they seek to lead the Wings to a deep playoff run.

The Wings’ other Draft pick

With the 31st overall pick (first selection of the third round), the Dallas Wings selected Zee Spearman, a versatile 6-foot-4 forward from the University of Tennessee. Known for her interior presence and rebounding tenacity, Spearman averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during her final season with the Lady Vols.

Beyond her ability to protect the rim, she has shown significant growth as a floor-spacer, recording career highs in three-pointers made last year. Her length and defensive mobility make her a strategic addition to a Wings frontcourt looking for reliable depth behind their newly formed superstar perimeter.

Li Yueru emerged from Shanxi, as a young athlete whose height and skill set immediately set her apart. Her early training in China hinted at a center who could dominate both domestically and, eventually, on international courts.

Before joining the WNBA, she built a reputation in China’s WCBA, showcasing versatility and resilience against top-tier competition. Those years forged the foundation of a player ready to transition to one of the most competitive leagues.

With the Dallas Wings, she brings size, agility, and a developing skill set to the frontcourt. Her journey reflects a blend of ambition and growth, leaving observers curious about how she will continue shaping her professional story.

How old is Li Yueru?

Born on March 28, 1999, in Changzhi, Shanxi, China, Li Yueru is 26 years old. Despite her relatively young age, she has accumulated significant experience both domestically and internationally. Her journey from China’s basketball courts to the WNBA showcases her rapid development and adaptability.

How tall is Li Yueru?

Li Yueru’s imposing height of 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) makes her a formidable presence on the court. Her stature allows her to excel in the center position, contributing significantly to her team’s defense and rebounding efforts. Her physical attributes have been a key factor in her success across various leagues.

Li Yueru’s personal background

Li Yueru was born in China, where her exceptional height and athletic potential were evident from an early age. Her formative years were shaped by local training programs that emphasized fundamentals and discipline, laying the foundation for a professional career.

Before making the leap to the WNBA, she honed her skills in China’s WCBA with the Guangdong Dolphins and Inner Mongolia, gaining competitive experience and developing versatility on the court. Her time in domestic leagues provided a strong base that prepared her for international competition.

She has consistently maintained a private personal life, focusing on her professional growth rather than public exposure. Her dedication to basketball has been the defining feature of her journey, illustrating a commitment to the sport that drives her performance in the WNBA.

What is Li Yueru’s jersey number?

Li Yueru wears the number 28 with the Dallas Wings, a number she has carried since joining the WNBA. While she has not publicly explained the personal significance of this number, it has become synonymous with her presence in the paint and her identity as a rising WNBA center.

Her jersey has appeared in highlight reels across multiple teams, symbolizing her transition from domestic leagues in China to the global stage. The number 28 has also become a recognizable identifier for fans following her growth and contributions on the court.

Li Yueru’s career highlights

• WCBA beginnings: She started her professional career in China with the Guangdong Dolphins before moving to Inner Mongolia. Her performance in the WCBA established her as a dominant post player with strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.

• WNBA Draft selection (2019): Selected by the Atlanta Dream in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she opted to continue developing in China before joining the league, demonstrating strategic career planning and maturity beyond her years.

• Transition to Los Angeles Sparks: In 2024, she joined the Sparks, continuing to refine her offensive and defensive game while gaining crucial minutes in a competitive WNBA environment.

• Seattle Storm and Dallas Wings (2025): She was traded to the Seattle Storm and later to the Dallas Wings in 2025. With the Wings, she quickly made an impact in the frontcourt, averaging 7+ points and nearly 6 rebounds per game before a knee injury sidelined her for the remainder of the season.

• Playing style recognition: She is celebrated for her height, agility, and skill in the post. Analysts note her ability to protect the rim, secure rebounds, and contribute offensively with mid-range scoring, making her a versatile asset in any frontcourt rotation.

Li Yueru has emerged as a standout presence in women’s basketball, blending height, technique, and a quiet intensity that makes her impossible to ignore. Each game reveals more of her potential and versatility on the court.

Her journey from China’s professional leagues to the WNBA has been swift but deliberate, marked by moments of adaptation and breakthrough that hint at a player ready to leave a lasting mark.

With the Dallas Wings, she faces a new chapter—one where her skills, ambition, and drive intersect with opportunity, setting the stage for what could be a defining period in her professional career.

What is Li Yueru’s salary with the Dallas Wings?

Li Yueru’s 2025 salary with the Dallas Wings stands at $66,079, aligning with the league’s minimum for players with up to two years of experience, according to Spotrac. This figure reflects the WNBA’s current salary structure, but newcomers often start at the minimum.

Despite her limited playing time in previous seasons, her move to the Wings presented an opportunity for increased exposure and development. Her performance in the 2025 season, including a career-high 20 points in a win over the Indiana Fever, showcased her potential and contribution to the team’s success.

Li Yueru’s contract: How long does the deal last?

Li Yueru’s contract with the Dallas Wings is a one-year agreement for the 2025 WNBA season. This short-term contract structure is common in the league, especially for players transitioning between teams or seeking to prove their value.

After being traded from the Seattle Storm in June 2025, her immediate integration into the Wings’ lineup was a testament to her adaptability and the team’s need for her presence in the frontcourt.

As the season concluded with her injury, her future remains uncertain. Her status as an exclusive rights free agent entering the offseason means the team holds exclusive negotiation rights, but no contract extension has been announced.

During the recent game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Li Yueru suffered a severe knee injury, which, after various tests, was confirmed to be an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain. Her presence on Chris Koclanes’ team will be officially ruled out moving forward.

The news was confirmed by the franchise through their official X account (formerly Twitter), where they announced this significant loss during one of the most crucial stages of the season.

“Li Yueru will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain in her left knee. Yueru sustained the injury against the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 15. Yueru is expected to make a full recovery. Additional updates will be provided when appropriate.”

After joining the Wings following a trade request from the Seattle Storm, she averaged 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game across 22 games played since the trade.

A difficult season for the Wings

Despite an exciting start, the Dallas Wings have struggled to maintain momentum, now finding themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. With a disappointing 9-26 record, the team has faced significant challenges throughout the season.

Their playoff hopes have faded as they’ve battled injuries and inconsistent performances. The focus for the remainder of the season is on player development and building a foundation for a stronger campaign next year.

What’s next for the Wings?

• vs Los Angeles Sparks, August 20
• vs Seattle Storm, August 22
• vs Golden State Valkyries, August 24
• vs Connecticut Sun, August 27
• vs Atlanta Dream, August 29

This has had its consequences, as although no official statement has been made regarding any fine imposed on one of Stephanie White’s key players, she has been previously penalized for similar incidents.

Last Friday, ahead of the game where her team ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Sparks, Bueckers was questioned by the press about the recent dispute. One of this season’s most talented rookies was unequivocal in her response.

“Everyone is entitled to their own unique personal opinion,” the Wings’ top star firmly responded.

Cunningham’s harsh criticism of Bueckers

Sophie Cunningham had a heated exchange with Paige Bueckers during their recent matchup. Hours later, Cunningham took to her social media to strongly criticize the officiating she faces every time she plays.

While one of this season’s standout players for the Indiana Fever openly expressed admiration for her Wings counterpart’s game, she also voiced strong dissatisfaction with how officials protect her during games—a treatment she considers to be unequal.

Although no official statement has been made regarding a potential sanction against Cunningham for her comments, the situation caused unrest within the Dallas facilities, where many do not believe Bueckers receives special treatment from the referees.

Lindsey Cunningham stands up for Sophie

The potential severe injury suffered by Sophie Cunningham this afternoon during her team’s victory over the Sun prompted an immediate reaction from her sister Lindsey, who took to social media to criticize WNBA officials and referees for failing to protect their star players.

In a message posted on her X account, the sister of one of the Fever’s stars expressed her dissatisfaction after watching the video of Sophie visibly injured as she fell to the court.

The intensity with which the officiating crew called certain plays involving one of Stephanie White’s key players was clearly not the same as how similar actions by Bueckers were judged — or at least that’s how Cunningham saw it in the days following the game.

While the former Phoenix Mercury player admitted to being a fan of Paige Bueckers’ game, she also firmly stated that officials tend to grant the rookie certain concessions because of her talent and what she represents in the WNBA.

“I love Paige to death,” Cunningham said during her latest ‘Show Me Something’ episode. “Do not get me wrong. I think she’s a helluva player and would love to play with her one day. But those refs were giving her every freakin’ whistle last night. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her. That (expletive) is so annoying to me. And if you’re gonna do that, then give it to our guards. I just hate the inconsistency.

“We know she’s a good rookie, and she’s gonna get some whistles. But like, to get the treatment she got last night was crazy. Crazy. She’s gonna be one of those players, she’s already gonna be a GOAT, she’s gonna be a Hall of Famer. Everyone knows it. She’s a freakin’ helluva player. But getting some of those whistles already? Oh my. I couldn’t.”

Still battling without Clark

With the final stretch of the WNBA season underway, the Indiana Fever are navigating a pivotal period without their star, Caitlin Clark. While the team has faced challenges in her absence, a veteran leader has emerged to carry the load: Sophie Cunningham.

The versatile guard has become one of the team’s brightest spots, providing consistent scoring and a competitive edge that has helped keep the Fever in the hunt. Under the guidance of head coach Stephanie White, Indiana is leaning on Cunningham to be the backbone of the offense as they fight for a crucial playoff spot and look to build momentum ahead of the postseason.

What’s next for the Fever?

As the most crucial stretch of the season unfolds, these are the upcoming games Indiana must face to stay in the hunt in the Eastern Conference.

• vs Washington Mystics, August 15
• vs Connecticut Sun, August 17
• vs Minnesota Lynx, August 22
• vs Minnesota Lynx, August 24
• vs Seattle Storm, August 26

The Indiana Fever will face the Dallas Wings tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Star guard Caitlin Clark is still sidelined due to her right groin injury, and she will not be part of the lineup.

It will be the 11th straight regular-season game Clark has missed due to this latest injury. In total, she has missed 20 regular-season games this year, having also dealt with other muscle injuries.

Fever coach Stephanie White talked about her recovery, revealing she hasn’t returned to practice yet. “She’s been able to get a little bit more in her full-court running with all of her body weight. It’s really building up from doing minimal to then building some endurance to do longer periods of time,” she told reporters, per a video shared by Chloe Peterson on X.

“She’s been able to do a little bit more on the court in terms of how she moves, but not into practice yet,” White said. Without Clark, the Fever are 8-5 this season, and they are 18-14 overall.

Clark’s absence is not the only concern for the Fever, who also lost Sydney Colson (ACL) and Aari McDonald (broken bone) for the rest of the season. The Fever signed Odyssey Sims to cover for their absences.

Paige Bueckers is questionable

Meanwhile, in the Dallas Wings’ side, Paige Bueckers should be able to play tonight after she returned from a back injury on Sunday, Aug.10 in a loss to the Washington Mystics. She is questionable for tonight’s match, per Underdog WNBA.

A victory would give the Fever a season sweep over the Wings. Indiana has already taken the first three matchups, June 27 (94–86), July 13 (102–83), and Aug. 1 (88–78). Curiously, Clark has missed all of them.

Arike Ogunbowale has built a reputation as one of the most electric scorers. With her killer crossover and clutch gene, she’s become the face of the Dallas Wings — and her contract reflects that evolution.

After multiple All-Star nods and consistent offensive production, she moved from rising star to franchise cornerstone. Her deal marked a turning point not just for her, but for how the team builds around elite guards.

Behind the numbers lies a broader shift in how top-tier talent is valued in the WNBA. Her salary isn’t just about points per game — it’s about impact, longevity, and what she means to the Wings’ future.

What is Arike Ogunbowale’s salary with the Dallas Wings?

Arike Ogunbowale’s salary for the 2025 WNBA season is $249,032, making her one of the league’s highest-paid players, as Spotrac reported. This represents the final year of a three-year contract extension she signed with the Dallas Wings.

Her consistent scoring—she finished second in the league with 22.2 points per game in 2024—has justified the investment. She’s also ranked fifth among the WNBA’s top-paid athletes.

Beyond her salary, she boosts her income through endorsement deals with brands like Nike, State Farm and The Good Feet Store. Her signature sneakers and media appearances have helped her build a big net worth.

Arike Ogunbowale’s contract: How long does the deal last?

Arike Ogunbowale’s current contract with the Dallas Wings is a three-year deal that lasts from 2023 through 2025, after which she will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. The extension was signed in 2022, and includes full guarantees.

This deal followed her rookie contract (2019–2022), which was worth $220,235 over four years. Since entering the league, she has earned approximately $713,770 in salary alone, with projections pushing that figure to $962,802 by the end of 2025.

Her contract reflects not just her scoring prowess but her value as a franchise cornerstone. She’s finished in the top 10 of MVP voting five times in six seasons and became the Wings’ all-time leading scorer in 2024.

The WNBA’s injury woes continue to pile up. After stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have already missed time due to injuries, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers became the latest to face a scare during Tuesday night’s matchup between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty.

Bueckers briefly left the court in the second half after feeling tightness in her back. While it caused concern among Wings fans, the 22-year-old guard later downplayed the issue, explaining she was just being cautious. “I was just dribbling the ball and just felt a tightness come along,” Bueckers told reporters postgame, per ESPN. “It’s day-to-day. I’m hoping it won’t take me out. Just get some treatment, get some rest.”

The former UConn star returned in the fourth quarter after stretching and receiving massage gun treatment on the bench. Despite the discomfort, she managed to finish the game with an impressive 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in Dallas’ 85–76 loss.

“It’s just a pulled muscle. I felt a strain, felt it tighten, so am just getting it worked out,” Bueckers said, adding that the flare-up felt totally “random” and occurred mid-dribble. For now, it doesn’t appear to be something that will sideline her long-term.

Bueckers has already missed five games this season, most recently on June 28 due to a knee issue. Despite the setbacks, she leads Dallas in points (18.5 per game), and assists (5.5).

WNBA stars struggling with injuries

Meanwhile, the league continues to deal with a string of injuries to some of its biggest names. Clark has been sidelined for 15 games due to various muscle injuries, while Angel Reese is also managing a back issue of her own.

Napheessa Collier and Breanna Stewart have also struugled with injuries. It’s been a tough year physically for many of the league’s rising stars, and the trend is raising questions about player workload and scheduling.

There’s a certain edge to Arike Ogunbowale’s game — a mix of fire and finesse that makes her one of the most compelling guards. In Dallas Wings, she’s not just a player; she’s a spark every night.

But her path to this spotlight wasn’t a straight line. It’s been built through defining moments, late-game heroics and the kind of grit that turns potential into legacy, one bucket at a time.

Still, the story of her stretches beyond the hardwood. It’s a tale of family, personal growth, and an unwavering pursuit of greatness that keeps her evolving WNBA season after season…

How old is Arike Ogunbowale?

Arike Ogunbowale was born on March 2, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—making her 28 years old in the summer of 2025. Now in her seventh WNBA season with the Dallas Wings, he blends veteran savvy with competitive urgency each night.

How tall is Arike Ogunbowale?

Standing at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) and weighing around 165 lb, Arike Ogunbowale doesn’t stand out for her height—but she more than makes up for it in physicality, toughness and frame. Her wingspan and strength allow her to finish through contact and defend bigger opponents seamlessly.

Arike Ogunbowale’s love life and family

Arike is the youngest child of Gregory and Yolanda Ogunbowale, raised in an athletic family—her mother played college softball at DePaul, and her brother Dare is a running back for the Houston Texans in the NFL.

In May 2024, she surprised fans by proposing to Lala Ronay, a lifestyle content creator, marking a heartfelt personal milestone she shared on Instagram. Her family’s competitive backbone—rooted in Nigerian-American determination and sibling support—remains the fuel behind her resilience on and off the court.

What is Arike Ogunbowale’s jersey number?

Arike Ogunbowale proudly wears No. 24 for the Dallas Wings, a choice rooted in both a childhood decision and deep symbolism. Early in her AAU days, the number was available when her favorite, Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 was not. Fatefully, he later made 24 his own, giving Ogunbowale a personal connection she holds close.

That number has since become more than a digit—it’s a personal tribute and emblem. She continued with 24 through college at Notre Dame and into the WNBA, turning it into a symbol of aspiration and resilience, rooted in admiration for a player she studied growing up.

Arike Ogunbowale’s career highlights

• WNBA Scoring Leader (2020): In just her second season, she won the WNBA scoring title, averaging 22.8 PPG and earning the league’s Peak Performer Award. She had four 30-plus point games, including a career-high 39 against the Mystics.

• Franchise All-Time Scoring Leader: On September 12, 2024, she surpassed Deeanna “Tweety” Nolan’s mark of 3,971 to become the Dallas Wings’ all-time leading scorer in just six seasons.

• Fastest to 4,000 Career Points in WNBA History: She reached 4,000 career points in just 195 games—the fastest in league history—breaking Breanna Stewart’s previous record.

• Multiple All-Star Appearances & MVP Honors: A four-time WNBA All-Star, she was named All-Star Game MVP in 2021 and again in 2024, dropping a record-setting 34 points—all in the second half—to lead Team WNBA over Team USA.

• College Legend at Notre Dame: Her back‑to‑back buzzer‑beaters in the 2018 NCAA Final Four and championship game earned Notre Dame its first title in 17 years and Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.