UCLA Sets Record with Five First‑Round WNBA Picks
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- UCLA became the first program to have five first‑round picks and the first to have six players selected overall in the 2026 WNBA draft.
- Lauren Betts (6‑ft‑7) was taken No. 4 by the Washington Mystics, joining Angela Dugalic, who was drafted No. 9 by the same team.
- Gabriela Jaquez was selected No. 5 by the Chicago Sky, while Kiki Rice went No. 6 to the expansion Toronto Tempo.
- Gianna Kneepkens was chosen No. 15 (the final first‑round pick) by the Connecticut Sun, completing UCLA’s six‑player draft class.
- UCLA finished the season 37‑1, beating South Carolina 77‑66 in the championship game, with seniors scoring all points in the Final Four.
- Coach Cori Close said the historic draft record aids recruiting, noting she previously didn’t care about records but now sees its value.
Why it matters: UCLA’s historic draft haul directly strengthens its recruiting appeal, giving the Bruins a clear advantage in attracting top high‑school talent, while the WNBA benefits from an influx of proven college stars ready to contribute immediately. It also underscores the growing pipeline from elite college programs to the professional league, reinforcing the Bruins’ status as a talent factory.
