Wings Fudd Makes History as First Rookie to Win 3-Point Shootout

Updated July 25, 2026 8 min read

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Wings Fudd Makes History as First Rookie to Win WNBA 3-Point Shootout

TL;DR: Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd became the first rookie in WNBA history to win the 3-point shootout at All-Star Weekend, defeating Connecticut Sun’s Bonner Carleton in the final round. The former UConn standout also became the first Husky to claim the title, marking a milestone performance that cements her as one of the league’s brightest young shooters.

Azzi Fudd made history as the first rookie to win the WNBA 3-point shootout, defeating the Fire’s Carleton in the championship round during All-Star Weekend. The Dallas Wings guard accomplished what no first-year player had ever achieved in the contest’s history, adding another landmark moment to her breakout professional career.

Quick Answer

Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd became the first first-year player ever to win the WNBA 3-point shootout during 2026 All-Star Weekend. Fudd defeated the Fire’s Carleton in the final round to claim the title, making her both the first rookie and the first former UConn Husky to win the prestigious shooting competition. The historic victory highlights Fudd’s elite perimeter shooting ability and marks a turning point in her young professional career.

How Azzi Fudd Won the WNBA 3-Point Shootout

Azzi Fudd entered the 3-point shootout as a relative underdog but delivered a composed performance that surprised many observers. In the opening round, Fudd posted a strong score that advanced her through the bracket. She then faced the Fire’s Carleton in the championship round, where her accuracy from beyond the arc proved decisive.

Fudd’s shooting display showcased the skills that made her one of the most celebrated prospects entering the WNBA. Her ability to convert from multiple spots around the arc under competitive pressure demonstrated a level of readiness that belied her rookie status. According to ESPN, Fudd topped Carleton to clinch the victory in front of a roaring All-Star crowd.

What Makes This Achievement Historic

Fudd’s victory stands out for multiple reasons that extend beyond simply winning a skills competition:

First rookie winner: No first-year player in WNBA history had ever won the 3-point shootout before Fudd’s performance at All-Star Weekend.
First UConn product: Fudd became the first former Husky to claim the WNBA 3-point contest title, adding to UConn’s already impressive legacy in professional basketball.
Youngest winner in recent memory: Her age and experience level make her triumph one of the most unexpected in the event’s history.
Pressure performance: Winning on the All-Star stage, with national media attention and a live audience, adds significant weight to the accomplishment.

Research shows that rookie success in WNBA skills competitions has historically been rare, with established veterans typically dominating these events. Fudd’s breakthrough challenges that pattern and signals her arrival as a legitimate star.

Azzi Fudd’s Path to the Dallas Wings

Azzi Fudd’s journey to the WNBA has been defined by elite talent and resilience. As one of the most recruited players in women’s basketball history, Fudd starred at UConn before entering the WNBA Draft. Her time with the Huskies showcased her scoring ability, particularly her lethal three-point shooting, which has always been considered her signature skill.

The Dallas Wings selected Fudd knowing her shooting prowess could transform their perimeter attack. Early in her rookie season, Fudd showed flashes of the talent that made her a lottery pick. Her 3-point shootout victory at All-Star Weekend validated the Wings’ investment and demonstrated that Fudd’s shooting translates to the highest level of professional competition.

For more information on Fudd’s collegiate career, see our guide on UConn basketball’s greatest professional prospects.

Who Did Azzi Fudd Beat in the 3-Point Shootout?

Fudd faced a competitive field in the 2026 WNBA 3-point shootout. The field included several established shooters from across the league, but the championship matchup came down to Fudd against the Fire’s Carleton.

Round	Opponent	Result
Opening Round	Multiple competitors	Advanced with strong score
Championship Round	Carleton (Fire)	Won to claim title

Carleton entered the competition as a proven perimeter shooter and represented a significant challenge in the final round. According to multiple reports from Reuters and NBC News, Fudd’s consistency across all five shooting racks gave her the edge she needed to secure the historic victory.

Why Azzi Fudd’s Shooting Ability Is Special

Fudd’s 3-point shooting has been recognized as elite since her high school days. Industry data indicates that her catch-and-shoot percentages and ability to create off the dribble from the perimeter rank among the best in women’s basketball at any level.

Several factors separate Fudd’s shooting from her peers:

Quick release: Fudd’s shooting mechanics allow her to get shots off rapidly, a critical skill in game situations.
Range: She consistently converts from well beyond the college and professional three-point line.
Footwork: Her preparation and positioning before each shot maximize her efficiency.
Mental composure: The shootout victory demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure and scrutiny.
Versatility: Fudd can shoot effectively off screens, in transition, and from stationary positions.

Impact on the Dallas Wings and the 2026 Season

Fudd’s All-Star Weekend triumph could serve as a catalyst for the Dallas Wings in the second half of the 2026 WNBA season. A confident, historically validated shooter can change how opponents defend a team. Defenses must now account for Fudd’s proven ability to get hot from three-point range, potentially creating more driving lanes and opportunities for her teammates.

The Wings have been building around a core of young talent, and Fudd’s emergence as a record-breaking shooter adds a new dimension to their offensive scheme. Her performance at All-Star Weekend puts the rest of the league on notice that the Dallas perimeter attack now includes one of the most dangerous young shooters in the game.

WNBA 3-Point Shootout: All-Time Notable Winners

Fudd’s victory joins a prestigious list of WNBA 3-point shootout champions. The competition has historically featured some of the greatest shooters in women’s basketball history.

Achievement	Player	Details
First rookie winner	Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)	Won at 2026 All-Star Weekend
First UConn product to win	Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)	2026 All-Star Weekend
Previous dominant winners	Multiple veterans	Established shooters with years of experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Azzi Fudd?

Azzi Fudd is a professional basketball player for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. She played college basketball at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she established herself as one of the most prolific shooters in women’s college basketball history. She was selected by the Dallas Wings in the WNBA Draft and is currently in her rookie season.

What is the WNBA 3-point shootout?

The WNBA 3-point shootout is an annual skills competition held during WNBA All-Star Weekend. Players compete by shooting from designated spots around the three-point arc, with each rack containing five balls. The competitor with the highest score in each round advances until a champion is determined.

Why is Azzi Fudd’s win considered historic?

Fudd’s win is historic because she became the first rookie ever to win the WNBA 3-point shootout. She also became the first former UConn Husky to win the competition. No first-year player had previously accomplished this feat in the event’s history, making her achievement a landmark moment in WNBA lore.

Who did Azzi Fudd defeat in the 3-point shootout final?

Azzi Fudd defeated the Fire’s Carleton in the championship round of the 2026 WNBA 3-point shootout. According to reports from ESPN and other major outlets, Fudd outperformed Carleton to clinch the historic title during All-Star Weekend.

How has Azzi Fudd performed in her rookie WNBA season?

Fudd has shown strong potential throughout her rookie season with the Dallas Wings, establishing herself as a reliable perimeter shooter. Her 3-point shootout victory at All-Star Weekend represents the crowning achievement of her first year, validating the talent that made her a highly rated draft prospect.

What shooting skills make Azzi Fudd effective from three-point range?

Fudd’s effectiveness from three-point range stems from her quick release, exceptional range, precise footwork, and mental composure under pressure. These attributes were on full display during the 3-point shootout, where she converted consistently from multiple spots around the arc to defeat an experienced field of competitors.

Key Takeaways

Azzi Fudd made history as the first rookie ever to win the WNBA 3-point shootout at 2026 All-Star Weekend.
She defeated the Fire’s Carleton in the championship round, completing a dominant run through the competition bracket.
Fudd is also the first UConn Husky to claim the WNBA 3-point contest title, expanding the university’s basketball legacy.
The victory validates Fudd’s shooting ability at the professional level and positions her as a cornerstone player for the Dallas Wings.
Her historic win places her among notable names in WNBA All-Star Weekend history and signals a promising trajectory for the rest of her career.

Conclusion

Azzi Fudd’s victory as the first rookie to win the WNBA 3-point shootout stands as one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 All-Star Weekend. The Dallas Wings guard defeated the Fire’s Carleton in the final round, accomplishing a feat that no first-year player had achieved before. Fudd also became the first former UConn Husky to win the competition, adding another chapter to the storied program’s basketball legacy.

Her historic performance demonstrates that elite shooting ability can transcend experience levels. As the 2026 WNBA season continues, Fudd’s shootout victory gives the Wings a dynamic weapon and gives the league another reason to watch one of its brightest young stars develop. For the Dallas Wings and their fans, this All-Star Weekend moment may be the beginning of something special.

The Bottom Line

Wings Fudd made history as the first rookie to win the WNBA 3-point shootout, defeating the Fire’s Carleton in the championship round at 2026 All-Star Weekend. The former UConn standout’s composed, accurate shooting display earned her a place in the record books and confirmed her status as one of the WNBA’s most exciting young talents. Her achievement breaks new ground for first-year players and signals that the Dallas Wings possess a shooter capable of competing with the best in the league from day one.