Azzi Fudd Says She Knows ‘Exactly What Comes Next’ After Wings Announce She’s Out for the Season

• Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd addressed her season-ending injury after the team announced she’ll undergo surgery on her knee next week
• Fudd said she knows “exactly what comes next: rehab, put in the work, come back ready and better than before”
• The WNBA star thanked her family, friends and the Wings organization and told fans their messages “mean a lot” to her

Dallas Wings star Azzi Fudd has spoken out about her season-ending injury.

After the Wings announced Fudd, 23, will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to address ongoing right knee soreness in the next week, the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft thanked fans for their support in a message on her podcast’s Instagram account on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

“Hey, Most of you probably already saw. I’ve got a small procedure coming up on my knee, and I’ll be out as I recover,” Fudd confirmed. She continued, “I know exactly what comes next: rehab, put in the work, come back ready and better than before.”

Fudd said she’s “grateful for my family, my circle and the Wings organization for the support” before addressing the fans. “Thank you for all the messages today. They mean a lot to me,” Fudd said.

The Wings said they’ll provide additional updates on Fudd after the procedure “when appropriate” in their statement on Wednesday.

Fudd last played in the Wings’ game against the Washington Mystics on Aug. 5. Two days later, she was listed as out with right knee soreness after feeling discomfort during warmups, but fans weren’t aware the issue would keep Fudd out for the rest of the season.

“Brutal...she was playing great once she found her way into the starting lineup,” said one user on X after the news broke.

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!

Fans showed their love for Fudd in the comments of her Instagram statement on Wednesday. “You got the whole world behind you, Fudd❤️,” wrote one fan. “we love you azzi! the comeback is always better than the setback 💗 we’re in your corner 🤞,” said another.

Since losing Fudd in the last five games, the Wings have only won one. Before the injury, Fudd was playing an average of 31 minutes per game and averaging 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

Read the original article on People