Is it Fair to Ask About Azzi and Paige’s Relationship Status?

No Offseason
•April 23rd, 2026
DESCRIPTION
Zena and Layshia break down the moment that got everyone talking: was it fair to ask Azzi Fudd about her personal relationship with Paige Bueckers? They unpack the context behind the question, the reactions it sparked, and the broader conversation around how female athletes are covered. We also examine the extent of Paige’s influence on the Wings’ decision to select Azzi.
Then, we pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to be in WNBA training camp—navigating the jump from college to the pros. The conversation captures the mix of anxiety and excitement that defines the experience, along with the vital role of communication and teamwork and making lasting impressions.
Lastly, the duo wraps things up, questioning why veteran Natasha Cloud has yet to be signed.
No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/
00:00 Intro
01:13 Revisiting the awkward moment from Azzi’s presser
03:29 Media scrutiny vs. personal privacy in women’s basketball
09:12 Was the question asked to Azzi about relationship with Paige appropriate?
10:56 The impact of relationships on team dynamics
19:32 How much pull did Paige have in getting Azzi to the Wings?
24:43 The intersection of love and professionalism in sports
33:19 Peeling back the curtain of WNBA training camp
42:27 The emotional rollercoaster of training camp
48:27 The role of coaches in building confidence
51:24 Navigating the competitive landscape of professional sports
54:22 Transitioning from college to the WNBA
01:02:20 What to make of Natasha Cloud not being signed
Related links and articles:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7213560/2026/04/21/paige-bueckers-azzi-fudd-2026-dallas-wings-uconn/?source=user_shared_article by Sabreena Merchant
Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468
Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com
Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason [https://www.instagram.com/tanooffseason]
-TikTok: @no_offseason [https://www.tiktok.com/@no_offseason]
Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Produced by Taneka Burrell
-Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1
Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0
Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS

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