WNBA superstar Paige Bueckers has been photographed looking notably cozy with former college teammate Nika Muhl during a recent vacation in Croatia. This comes amid intense media scrutiny following the news that her rumored girlfriend, Azzi Fudd, has been drafted to join Bueckers on the Dallas Wings roster.
Draft Drama and Relationship Speculation
Azzi Fudd was selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings on Monday night. This remarkable development means Fudd is now set to play alongside her ex-University of Connecticut teammate and widely speculated romantic partner, Paige Bueckers. The pair initially sparked romance rumors last year but have consistently maintained privacy regarding their personal lives, keeping specific details firmly under wraps.
Media Blackout at Press Conference
Despite now becoming professional teammates, Fudd was prevented from addressing questions about her relationship with Bueckers during her introductory press conference with the Dallas Wings on Thursday. A member of the Wings public relations team intervened when a reporter inquired about the status of their relationship, requesting that Fudd decline to answer.
The reporter had specifically asked: "Paige announced last year on TikTok that y'all were a couple, and I'm wondering if that's still the case, and if so, if y'all have talked to any other couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates?" According to USA Today's Meghan Hall, the PR representative acknowledged the question's relevance but insisted on avoiding the topic.
Croatian Getaway with Another Former Teammate
In the midst of this relationship media frenzy, Bueckers has been sharing images from her European vacation in Zagreb, Croatia. The 2025 number one draft pick posted a series of photographs featuring herself alongside Seattle Storm guard Nika Muhl, another former UConn teammate, and additional companions.
The vacation snaps show Bueckers and Muhl appearing particularly close, including one striking image captured before a magnificent mountain landscape. Bueckers captioned her social media post: "A twin trip needed for the soul. can confirm they have sharks in the Croatian Sea." Muhl responded in the comments with: "Best surprise ever."
Muhl's Injury Challenges
Nika Muhl, who was selected 14th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has faced significant injury setbacks during her professional career. The Croatian athlete recently revealed she has suffered a second ACL tear within just one year, this time affecting the opposite knee from her previous injury.
Public Reaction to Media Restrictions
The Dallas Wings' decision to block relationship questions during Fudd's press conference has generated considerable controversy across social media platforms and sports commentary circles.
Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant voiced strong criticism of the team's approach: "Hey hey hey... that's part of the game. From the test of time, nothing has been off limits. That reporter had the right to ask that question. If they are dating, they are dating—what's the problem? Women wanting to be paid millions of dollars comes with it all. When hasn't the media been in an athlete's personal business?"
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy similarly defended the reporter's line of questioning: "This is a totally fair question. Sure it's unusual but they are very public on social media. They are teammates. They don't keep their relationship private. I have no problem with them not answering it but I have no problem asking it. It's fair game. I also don't think they care."
Other observers suggested that the Wings' media team may have inadvertently amplified attention on the subject by preventing Fudd from responding. Many argued that allowing her to address the question directly could have actually diminished the ongoing speculation rather than fueling further curiosity.
The situation continues to develop as Bueckers enjoys her Croatian retreat with Muhl while Fudd prepares for her professional debut alongside her rumored partner in Dallas. The intersection of personal relationships and professional sports dynamics remains a focal point of discussion within the WNBA community and beyond.
