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The Dallas Wings announced Wednesday that first overall draft pick Azzi Fudd will undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right knee and miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season. The procedure is scheduled for the following week in Connecticut, with rehabilitation to begin immediately after. Fudd had been sidelined for the Wings’ previous five games due to knee soreness, with her last appearance coming on August 5 against Washington.
The timing of Fudd’s injury presents a significant challenge for Dallas, which has experienced a recent downturn in performance. The Wings have won only three of their last ten games, causing their playoff positioning to slip to eighth place in the league standings. The loss of their top draft pick compounds existing roster difficulties as the team navigates a critical stretch of the season.
Fudd’s current setback reflects a troubling pattern with her right knee. The guard previously sustained two ACL tears, in 2019 and 2023, and experienced multiple periods of missed time due to sprains and unspecified soreness throughout 2022 and 2024. Despite these recurring issues, Fudd has demonstrated resilience in her career, helping UConn capture an NCAA championship in 2025 and winning the All-Star 3-Point Contest earlier this month.
The Wings will look to maintain playoff contention without Fudd as they move forward. The organization faces questions about how the team will adapt during her absence and whether Fudd’s promising professional trajectory can overcome this latest obstacle upon her return.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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