UConn in the W: Draft Night, Movement, and a 2026 Check-In
From draft night to training camp, tracking every Husky in the league
The WNBA season is approaching, and as always, UConn’s presence across the league remains strong.
Between draft night additions and a wave of offseason movement through free agency and trades, the landscape has shifted significantly. For UConn fans, that means a fresh look at where former Huskies are landing, and what their roles could look like heading into the 2026 season.
Draft Night: Another Husky at the Top
UConn was once again front and center on draft night, with Azzi Fudd selected at the top of the board.
Fudd enters the league as one of the sharpest shooters in the class. In her final season at UConn, her ability to stretch the floor and create her own shot made her one of the most difficult players to defend at the college level. She now joins a Dallas roster that continues to build around young, high-level talent.
Her transition to the W will be one to watch early, not just in terms of production, but how quickly she adjusts to the pace and physicality of the league. Her on-court familiarity with Paige Bueckers adds an exciting layer for Dallas, and UConn fans won’t have to wait long for a familiar call: Bueckers to Fudd for three!
UConn added another name to the draft board with Serah Williams, who was selected 33rd overall by the Connecticut Sun before being traded shortly after to the Portland Fire. Williams is currently in training camp with Portland as she looks to secure a final roster spot ahead of the season opener.
While Caroline Ducharme did not hear her name called on draft night, she quickly found an opportunity, signing a training camp contract with the Golden State Valkyries. She joins a growing group of former Huskies in the Bay Area and is currently competing for a roster spot as camp continues.
Offseason Movement: A Lot of New Looks
This offseason brought significant movement across the league, and several former Huskies are entering the year in new situations.
With roster turnover, cap considerations, and teams reshaping around core players, UConn talent is once again spread across the WNBA. Below is a snapshot of where things stand heading into the season:
Chicago Sky
Azurá Stevens — Veteran post player, returns to Chicago after previous stints with Dallas and Los Angeles
Connecticut Sun
Aaliyah Edwards — UConn 2024 forward standout, drafted by Washington, now with Connecticut
Olivia Nelson-Ododa — Experienced center, joined the Sun in 2023 following time in Los Angeles
Dallas Wings
Azzi Fudd — rookie guard, 2026 number one overall draft pick
Paige Bueckers — star guard, 2025 number one overall draft pick, 2025 Rookie of the Year
Golden State Valkyries
Kaitlyn Chen — point guard, drafted in 2025
Caroline Ducharme — rookie forward
Tiffany Hayes — veteran guard with multiple team stops, now in Golden State
Kiah Stokes — 2025 WNBA Champion, first year in the Bay after time with the Aces
Gabby Williams — 2025 WNBA DPOY, first year in the Bay after playing for Seattle
New York Liberty
Breanna Stewart — Multiple time All-Star, franchise cornerstone since 2023, 2024 WNBA Champion
Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier — Multiple time All-Star and team leader, 2024 WNBA DPOY
Aubrey Griffin — drafted in 2025, sat out due to injury
Dorka Juhász — experienced forward, recently named 2026 Euroleauge MVP
Portland Fire
Nika Mühl — drafted to Seattle in 2024, out last season due to injury, also out for this season (ACL injury)
Serah Williams — rookie center
Seattle Storm
Stefanie Dolson — veteran center with multiple stops across the league, 2021 WNBA Champion
Katie Lou Samuelson — returns to Seattle after a torn ACL and several seasons on different teams around the league
Toronto Tempo
Kia Nurse — veteran guard joining a new franchise in her home country
Currently Unsigned
Tina Charles, veteran center, played on the Sun last season
Bria Hartley, veteran guard, played on the Sun last season
What to Watch Heading Into the Season
With so much movement, a few key storylines stand out:
Rookie impact: How quickly can Azzi Fudd adjust to the pace and physicality of the league? Will Serah or Caroline make the final rosters?
Expanded roles: Players like Kia Nurse, Dorka Juhaz, and Olivia Nelson Ododa could see their roles expand depending on how the new rosters shake out.
Veteran consistency: Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Azura Stevens, Tiffany Hayes, Stefanie Dolson and Kia Nurse remain reliable veterans in the league and continue to set the standard for the new Huskies.
Unsigned players: Will we see Tina Charles or Bria Hartley make a roster as the season progresses?
The Bigger Picture
Even with constant movement, one thing hasn’t changed: UConn’s pipeline to the WNBA remains as strong as ever. Each season brings new names, new teams, and new roles, but the presence is consistent across the league.
With training camps underway and roster decisions still ahead, the next few weeks will bring more clarity. For now, the Huskies are once again spread across the W, and firmly part of the conversation heading into 2026.
