The UCLA women's basketball program, fresh off an impressive NCAA championship victory, is now turning its attention to the WNBA Draft, where its star players are expected to achieve a historic level of representation. As many as five Bruins could be chosen in the first round, with a total of six players anticipated to be drafted across the three rounds. This would mark an unprecedented achievement for a single collegiate team in the WNBA's history.
UCLA Stars Eye WNBA: Betts Leads the Charge for Historic Draft Class
In the aftermath of their dominant NCAA championship performance, the UCLA Bruins are set to make waves in the WNBA Draft on Monday night, April 12, 2026, in New York. Center Lauren Betts, recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, is a leading candidate for the No. 1 overall pick, potentially going to the Dallas Wings. Her remarkable ascent during the NCAA Tournament has significantly boosted her draft stock. Other top contenders for the first pick include Olivia Miles, a point guard from TCU, and Azzi Fudd, a guard from UConn. The Dallas Wings, who also held the top pick last season and selected Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, could form a formidable frontcourt with Betts. If Dallas opts for Miles, their backcourt would boast an impressive lineup with Miles, Bueckers, and four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale. The draft also follows the recent announcement of a new collective bargaining agreement for the WNBA, signed on March 20, which is set to significantly increase player salaries through the 2032 season. Besides Betts, other UCLA talents such as guards Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Gianna Kneepkens are strong contenders for first-round selections, possibly within the top 10. Forward Angela Dugalic is another potential first-round pick, while guard Charlisse Leger-Walker is also expected to be drafted. International prospects like Spain's Awa Fam and France's Nell Angloma are also drawing considerable attention. The draft order sees the Minnesota Lynx holding the No. 2 pick, followed by the Seattle Storm at No. 3, the Washington Mystics at No. 4, and the Chicago Sky at No. 5. Expansion teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will make their selections at sixth and seventh, respectively. The WNBA season is scheduled to commence on May 8.
The impending WNBA Draft serves as a powerful testament to the caliber of talent emerging from collegiate basketball, particularly from programs like UCLA. It highlights the growing professionalism and recognition of women's sports, offering a glimpse into the future stars of the league. The potential for a single team to produce such a large number of high-round draft picks underscores the strength of their program and the bright prospects for these young athletes as they transition to their professional careers.
