Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings’ number one draft pick and former UConn basketball sensation, has become one of the most talked-about athletes in women’s basketball. While her on-court achievements speak volumes, fans are equally by her personal life, particularly her romantic relationships. The 23-year-old Minnesota native has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life despite her rising stardom, though recent developments have sparked intense speculation about her current relationship status.
Throughout her college career at the University of Connecticut, Bueckers has been linked to several individuals, ranging from fellow athletes to teammates. Her approach to dating and relationships has evolved significantly, especially as she transitioned from college basketball to the professional WNBA stage. The basketball star has consistently emphasized her focus on career development, often stating her priorities lie primarily with basketball excellence.
However, recent social media activity and public appearances have ignited fresh dating rumors that have the sports world. From cryptic Instagram posts to viral TikTok videos, fans have been analyzing every detail of Bueckers’ personal interactions. The speculation reached new heights in June 2025 when compelling evidence emerged suggesting a romantic relationship with a longtime teammate and close friend.
This comprehensive examination explores Paige Bueckers’ dating history, current relationship status, and the timeline of events that have led to the most significant relationship rumors of her career. We’ll go into her past connections, analyze recent developments, and provide insight into how her personal life intersects with her professional basketball journey.
Early Dating Rumors and Past Relationships
Paige Bueckers (Image via Getty)
Spencer Rattler Connection
During her high school years, Paige Bueckers was rumored to be romantically involved with Spencer Rattler, the former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback. The two athletes reportedly met during their high school careers and maintained a connection that sparked dating speculation among sports fans. However, neither Bueckers nor Rattler ever publicly confirmed this relationship, and the rumors eventually subsided as both focused on their respective college careers.
Jalen Suggs Speculation
Another significant rumor involved Gonzaga basketball star Jalen Suggs, with fans speculating about a potential romantic connection between the two prominent college basketball players. Both athletes consistently maintained that their relationship was purely platonic, emphasizing their mutual support for each other’s careers. Suggs is currently dating Hailey Van Lith, further dispelling any romantic speculation between him and Bueckers.
Matt Freeman Reports
More recent reports have linked Bueckers romantically with fellow UConn student and basketball player Matt Freeman. These rumors emerged during her later college years, though like her previous rumored relationships, Bueckers never publicly acknowledged or confirmed this connection. The speculation around Freeman represents part of the ongoing interest in Bueckers’ personal life as her basketball career continued to flourish.
Paige’s Approach to Dating and Privacy
Career-Focused Mindset
In a February 2025 interview with GQ magazine, Bueckers made her priorities crystal clear, stating, “I’m more just focused on basketball.” This statement reflects her consistent approach to balancing personal relationships with her demanding athletic career. She has repeatedly emphasized that basketball remains her primary focus, especially as she prepared for the WNBA draft and professional transition.
Challenges of Fame
Bueckers has been candid about the difficulties of personal relationships in the public eye. She remarked, “It’s a crazy world out here,” referring to the challenges of managing fame, career pressures, media attention, and personal life as a high-profile athlete. This honest assessment highlights the unique pressures faced by prominent sports figures when it comes to maintaining private relationships.
Social Media Strategy
Throughout her career, Bueckers has maintained a careful balance on social media, sharing professional achievements while keeping personal details relatively private. This approach has only intensified fan curiosity about her romantic life, leading to increased speculation and analysis of her online activity.
The Azzi Fudd Connection: A Relationship Timeline
Paige Bueckers (Image via Getty)
Early Friendship and Team Chemistry
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s relationship began as teammates at UConn, where they played together for four seasons. Their on-court chemistry was immediately apparent, and their close friendship became a defining characteristic of their college basketball experience. Fudd, originally a top-ranked prospect in 2021, was influenced by Bueckers to join Coach Geno Auriemma’s prestigious program.
Growing Speculation
Over the years, fans began noticing the particularly close bond between Bueckers and Fudd, both on and off the court. Their frequent social media interactions, joint sponsorship deals, and constant companionship fueled ongoing speculation about the nature of their relationship. The duo appeared together in campaigns for major brands and even had their own merchandise line, further cementing their public partnership.
WNBA Draft Night Moment
A significant moment occurred during the 2025 WNBA Draft night when Bueckers was selected as the number one pick by the Dallas Wings. As cameras captured the moment, Bueckers’ first hug went to Fudd, who was seated at her table, separated from the rest of the UConn team. Fans noted the intimate nature of their interaction and Bueckers’ apparent concern about being “miked up” during their conversation.
Recent Developments and Confirmation
The Dallas Era
Following Bueckers’ move to Dallas for her WNBA career, Fudd made several trips to support her former teammate. She attended Wings games, wore Bueckers merchandise on the sidelines, and maintained a visible presence in Dallas. This continued support despite their geographic separation further fueled relationship speculation.
Social Media Soft Launch
In May 2025, fans noticed what appeared to be a “soft launch” of their relationship through social media content. Fudd posted a TikTok video featuring herself and Bueckers participating in a couples’ trend, captioned “princess treatment every time I’m with her.” The video showed Fudd asking about a dinner bill, with Bueckers revealing she paid $200, highlighting their dynamic as a couple.
The Phone Case Revelation
Paige Bueckers (Image via Getty)
The most definitive moment came on June 21, 2025, when Fudd posted an Instagram Story from a hair appointment. Her phone case clearly read “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend,” effectively confirming their romantic relationship. This direct statement ended years of speculation and represented what many fans considered a “hard launch” of their relationship.
Fan and Media Reaction
The confirmation of Bueckers and Fudd’s relationship has been met with overwhelming support from fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Social media platforms erupted with celebratory posts, and sports commentators praised the couple for their authenticity. The relationship has been particularly meaningful for representation in women’s sports, with many viewing them as positive role models.
Current Relationship Status
As of June 2025, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are in a confirmed romantic relationship. Their partnership represents a significant moment in women’s basketball, combining two of the sport’s most talented and visible players. The couple continues to support each other’s careers while facing the unique challenges of being high-profile athletes in a same-sex relationship.
Their relationship timeline demonstrates the evolution from close teammates to romantic partners, showcasing how their bond has strengthened over their four years together at UConn. With Bueckers now playing professionally in Dallas and Fudd continuing her college career, they face the additional challenge of maintaining their relationship across different life stages and geographic locations.
The confirmation of their relationship marks a new chapter for both athletes, as they balance personal happiness with their respective basketball careers while serving as visible representatives for LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports.
Jorja Smith has audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, but her romantic life has equally intrigued fans and media alike. The British singer-songwriter, born on June 11, 1997, in Walsall, West Midlands, has navigated the complexities of love while building her successful music career. From high-profile rumored relationships with global superstars to more private romantic connections, Smith’s dating history reflects her journey from rising star to established artist.
The 28-year-old musician has consistently maintained a relatively private approach to her personal relationships, often keeping details about her love life away from the public eye. However, her connections with fellow musicians and industry figures have inevitably attracted significant media attention and fan speculation. Smith’s relationship timeline includes rumored romances with some of music’s biggest names, including Canadian rapper Drake and British grime artist Stormzy, alongside more confirmed relationships with fellow musicians.
Understanding Jorja Smith’s approach to love and relationships offers insight into how she balances her meteoric rise to fame with personal connections. Her dating history spans from her early career breakthrough in 2017 to her current relationship status, revealing a pattern of connections within the music industry while also showing her desire for privacy and normalcy. As fans continue to follow her musical evolution, her romantic journey remains an equally compelling narrative that reflects the challenges and experiences of a young artist’s fame, success, and love in the public spotlight.
Early Career and First High-Profile Romance
Jorja Smith’s entry into the spotlight coincided with her first major rumored relationship. In early 2017, speculation began swirling about a potential romance between Smith and Canadian rapper Drake. The rumors gained traction when Drake featured the then-19-year-old British singer on two tracks from his mixtape “More Life” – “Get It Together” and “Jorja Interlude.”
The alleged relationship between Drake and Smith became a subject of intense media scrutiny. Sources claimed that the 30-year-old rapper was “secretly dating” the rising British songstress, with insiders suggesting their connection was “more than just a one-off thing.” The pair was reportedly spotted together buying sweets in Smith’s local Co-op in February 2017, fueling further speculation about their romantic involvement.
Drake’s apparent championing of Smith’s career added credibility to the dating rumors. He brought her out on stage during his UK gigs and frequently posted about her on Instagram, leading industry observers to suggest he was promoting her “a little too strongly” for a purely professional relationship. However, neither artist officially confirmed the romance, and the speculation eventually died down as both moved on to other relationships.
The Joel Compass Relationship
Smith’s most confirmed and longest-lasting relationship was with British R&B singer and producer Joel Compass. The couple began dating in September 2017, shortly after the Drake rumors subsided. Compass, known for his debut EP “Astronaut,” shared Smith’s musical background and understanding of the industry pressures.
Their relationship lasted approximately two years, during which they maintained a relatively low profile while supporting each other’s careers. The couple appeared to share a strong connection, with both artists understanding the demands of the music industry. However, their relationship faced challenges as both of their careers continued to evolve and gain momentum.
The relationship ultimately ended around 2019, with reports suggesting that Smith was caught kissing English rapper Stormzy, leading to the breakup with Compass. This incident marked a turning point in Smith’s romantic life and led to speculation about a potential relationship with the grime artist.
Stormzy Connection and Aftermath
Jorja Smith (Image via Getty)
Following her split from Joel Compass, Jorja Smith was briefly linked to British grime artist Stormzy in 2019. The connection reportedly began when Smith was seen kissing Stormzy, which allegedly led to the end of her relationship with Compass. However, this rumored relationship with Stormzy was short-lived and never officially confirmed by either party.
The Stormzy connection represents a brief but significant moment in Smith’s dating timeline, highlighting how her romantic life continued to intersect with prominent figures in the British music scene. The relationship, if it existed, appeared to be more of a fleeting connection rather than a serious romantic commitment.
Current Relationship Status and Mystery Boyfriend
As of 2024, Jorja Smith’s relationship status has become increasingly private and mysterious. Recent reports suggest that she is dating someone outside the music industry, marking a significant shift from her previous relationships with fellow musicians. This mystery boyfriend is described as a non-public figure who is supportive of Smith’s career and shares her love for art and culture.
Smith’s current approach to relationships reflects her desire for privacy and normalcy away from the public eye. The decision to date someone outside the entertainment industry suggests a conscious choice to separate her personal life from her professional world. This shift indicates her growth and maturity as both an artist and an individual.
The couple has been spotted together at various events, but they maintain a deliberately low profile. Their public appearances are marked by genuine affection and connection, suggesting a stable and supportive relationship. However, Smith has chosen not to publicly confirm the identity of her current partner, respecting both their privacy and her own boundaries.
Privacy and Public Interest Balance
Throughout her dating history, Jorja Smith has consistently struggled with balancing public interest in her romantic life with her desire for privacy. The media and fans remain eager for updates about her relationships, creating a constant tension between her public persona and personal boundaries.
Smith’s evolution in handling her romantic life reflects her growth as a public figure. From the highly publicized Drake rumors to her current private relationship, she has learned to navigate the complexities of fame while protecting her personal relationships. This approach demonstrates her commitment to maintaining authentic connections while managing the pressures of celebrity.
The singer’s relationship choices also reveal her priorities and values. Her preference for supportive partners who understand her career demands shows her commitment to finding a balance between professional success and personal happiness. Whether dating fellow musicians or choosing partners outside the industry, Smith consistently seeks genuine connections that complement rather than complicate her artistic journey.
Impact on Music and Artistic Expression
Jorja Smith (Image via Getty)
Jorja Smith’s romantic experiences have undoubtedly influenced her music and artistic expression. Her relationships, both confirmed and rumored, have provided material for her songwriting and emotional depth to her performances. The experiences of love, heartbreak, and growth are reflected in her music’s authenticity and emotional resonance.
The speculation about Drake writing “Jaded” about their rumored relationship ending demonstrates how Smith’s romantic life continues to influence not only her own music but also that of her former partners. This interconnection between her personal experiences and artistic output highlights the authentic nature of her musical expression.
