Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The WNBA may well have a major refereeing issue on its hands, and it has, in part, No. 1 overall draft pick Azzi Fudd to blame for the controversy.
In recent years, the league has come to be known for its physical style. However, with additional games and a condensed schedule, that style drew serious criticism, particularly after a raft of injuries left WNBA stars sidelined throughout the 2025 season.
Many of the league’s top players spoke out not only about the condensed schedule but also about how physical the games themselves were.
In response, the league has made it a point of emphasis this season to call more fouls and allow for more freedom of movement for offensive players.
That change recently earned praise from Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.
Caitlin Clark And Azzi Fudd Differ On WNBA Refereeing
Despite suffering a scary-looking injury in her preseason debut against Fudd and the Dallas Wings, Clark was a fan of how the game was refereed relative to her first two seasons in the league.
“I feel good, I just landed on my kneecap really hard,” Clark told members of the media via ESPN. “I know there’s a committee of people that really wanted them [the refs] to start calling things, and I thought they did a great job of that.
“Honestly, I thought the refs were great, and it’s preseason, so you’re probably going to see more fouls called. I expect that number to drop. But I think overall, it’s going to improve the product.”
However, Fudd doesn’t appear to be a fan of the changes.
Azzi Fudd had her teammates laughing when she was asked about how she’s adjusting to the physicality in the WNBA:
“Honestly I’m more confused. I thought you could be physical in the W and anytime you touch someone, it’s a foul.”
Jessica Shepherd and Aziaha James joked that she… pic.twitter.com/HfzC7yGNkT
— Melissa Triebwasser (@TheCoachMelissa) May 4, 2026
“Honestly, I feel more confused. I thought you could be physical in the W, and anytime you touch someone, it’s a foul,” said in a video posted by reporter Melissa Triebwasser. “I don’t know. I’m still figuring that out.”
Fudd, who has been in the spotlight for her relationship with superstar teammate Paige Bueckers, was called for five fouls over her first two preseason games against Indiana and the Las Vegas Aces.
She may also now have a fine coming her way from the league before even playing her first official game. Safe to say, Fudd is still adjusting to life as a pro.