As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2026 WNBA season, set to commence on May 8, the league is also shining a spotlight on the personal lives of its athletes. Among the many stories that have surfaced, three notable couples stand out, each exemplifying the intertwining of basketball and romance within the league.
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The most talked-about pair comprises Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, both formidable talents who recently united on the Dallas Wings. The duo, who first crossed paths as teenagers at a USA Basketball camp, have since enjoyed a meteoric rise in the sport. Speculation surrounding their relationship has been rife amongst fans, but Bueckers officially confirmed their romance during a candid interview in July 2025. When asked to reveal the identity of her girlfriend, Bueckers proudly declared it was Azzi Fudd.
Fudd, who entered the WNBA as the top pick in the 2026 draft, joined Bueckers at the Dallas Wings, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in their careers. Addressing their relationship in a press conference, Bueckers expressed the couple’s commitment to professionalism, maintaining that off-court dynamics would not spill over into their performance during games. “Me and Azzi have always been the most professional; we’ve always conducted ourselves as such,” she affirmed, highlighting their ability to focus on their craft while nurturing their personal connection.
Another prominent couple in the league, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, share a similar journey. The pair, formerly teammates at the Connecticut Sun and now with the Phoenix Mercury, began their relationship during the WNBA bubble in 2020, where they were both isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They made their love public on Valentine’s Day in 2021 and escalated things by becoming engaged after the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas.
The duo’s engagement was met with excitement as Bonner shared a heartwarming social media post revealing Thomas’s proposal. They celebrated their union with a poignant caption, “FOREVER.” In discussing their unique partnership on the court, Bonner remarked on both the blessings and challenges of such a situation, stating, “It’s like a gift and a curse.” This duality, she noted, allows them to exchange ideas and enhance their basketball IQ, yet it also fosters a competitive edge as they strive to outshine one another during games.
In contrast, Natasha Cloud and Izzy Harrison’s story illustrates a different facet of romance within the league. Having been together for four years prior to becoming teammates with the New York Liberty, their relationship flourished as they settled into a shared two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. Discussing their bond, Cloud expressed admiration for Harrison’s ability to connect with others, highlighting the balance they achieve as a couple—Harrison’s reserved nature complements Cloud’s more extroverted personality.
Interestingly, 2026 will see Cloud taking her talent to the Chicago Sky while Harrison joins the Toronto Tempo, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both athletes. Despite the geographical distance, their foundations appear strong, as they continue to support each other’s careers while maintaining their personal relationship.
The intertwining of love and sport within the WNBA offers an insightful glimpse into the lives of these athletes beyond the court. As they embark on the new season, the couples provide a narrative that showcases both their professional aspirations and the deeper emotional connections that energise them.
Throughout the history of the WNBA, relationships among players have been rare yet beautifully complicated, presenting a mixture of companionship, collaboration, and the occasional rivalry. As fans gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating 2026 season, the personal stories of these power couples serve to enrich the league’s narrative, offering supporters a blend of both hard-fought competition and inspiring love stories.
Ultimately, these athletes not only compete for titles and accolades but also represent the profound connections that can develop within the confines of professional sports. With the season debut just around the corner, the basketball community remains eager to witness not only the athletic performances of players like Bueckers, Fudd, Thomas, and Bonner, but also the genuine love that pulses beneath the surface of their careers.