Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd recognized as LGBTQ power couple as Wings star finds place among most influential queer athletes

Former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd made headlines during the WNBA All-Star weekend after hard-launching their relationship. On Tuesday, the pair was recognized as a LGBTQ power couple as the Dallas Wings star earned a place among the most influential queer athletes.

In a list shared by OutSports, Bueckers was named in the Top 50 most powerful LGBTQ people in sports for 2025. Ranked 35th, the list provided an overview of her achievements this year and mentioned her relationship with Fudd, labeling them a "power couple."

"It’s been quite a 2025 for Paige Bueckers: No. 1 pick in the WNBA by the Dallas Wings, WNBA Rookie of the Year and a national collegiate title with UConn. She played alongside Azzi Fudd, and the two are now out as girlfriends ... Bueckers and Fudd are an LGBTQ power couple," the overview read.

Bueckers revealed her relationship with Fudd during an appearance on WAG Talk, where she took part in the game "How well do you know your D1 girlfriend?" Since then, the duo has appeared publicly on many occasions with Fudd accompanying Bueckers during the WNBA Orange carpet and afterparty.

While Bueckers made her way into the Top 50 list, she wasn't the only WNBA player featured. Former WNBA stars Sue Bird and Candace Parker were ranked 36th and 30th, respectively, while Breanna Stewart (27th) and Alyssa Thomas (17th) were named from the current crop.

In addition to the players, several WNBA coaches were recognized on the list. Cheryl Reeve ranked 18th, Stephanie White ranked 12th, and Becky Hammon ranked 7th. They were all honored for their achievements with their teams as well as their contributions to the LGBTQ community.

Azzi Fudd and the UConn Huskies’ Preseason AP Top 25 ranking revealed as they chase back-to-back titles without Paige Bueckers

The UConn Huskies will begin their NCAA title defense next month as Azzi Fudd hopes to win back-to-back titles with the program. After clinching their seventh title last term, the Huskies are favored to win once again, although they will have to do so without Paige Bueckers.

Despite losing Bueckers, the Huskies are ranked number one on the Associated Press' preseason Top 25 ranking, while Fudd is expected to be a frontrunner for the national player of the year award.

The other three teams comprising the top four included last year's runners-up up South Carolina, followed by UCLA and Texas.

Edited by Arian Kashyap