Queer athletes — and love — stole the night at the WNBA draft

2 min read
Queer athletes — and love — stole the night at the WNBA draft

Queer athletes — and love — stole the night at the WNBA draft

Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles took the top two draft spots and a fan-favorite love story picked up steam.

Queer athletes — and love — stole the night at the WNBA draft

Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles took the top two draft spots and a fan-favorite love story picked up steam.

The 2025 WNBA draft was a landmark night, not just for basketball, but for representation and heartwarming storylines. While the future of the league was being shaped, a powerful narrative of queer excellence and a beloved love story took center stage, captivating fans and setting a new tone for the sport.

As expected, the Dallas Wings selected UConn's sharpshooting guard Azzi Fudd with the coveted first overall pick. The moment was made even more special as it officially reunited her with her girlfriend and former college teammate, Paige Bueckers, who Dallas drafted the previous year. The pair, affectionately dubbed "Pazzi" by their legion of fans, have been one of basketball's most celebrated couples since confirming their relationship last summer.

Fudd, radiant in a sequined gown, summed up the collective excitement to ESPN: "I’m excited to play again with Paige. She’s an incredible person, an incredible player. It’s going to be a lot of fun." Their chemistry was palpable throughout the evening, from walking the orange carpet together to Bueckers' beaming pride from the sidelines as Fudd accepted her jersey.

The celebration of queer athletes continued immediately after. With the second overall pick, the Minnesota Lynx selected dynamic guard Olivia Miles, solidifying a historic top-two for the WNBA. Miles, a standout from Notre Dame and TCU, brings a versatile and explosive game to the Lynx, promising to be an immediate impact player.

Beyond the draft order, the night felt like a turning point. It was a vibrant showcase where talent and authenticity shone equally bright. For fans, it was a powerful reminder that the future of women's basketball is not only incredibly skilled but also proudly diverse, setting the stage for an electrifying and inclusive new era in the league.

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