UCLA Wins NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Ahead of 2026 WNBA Draft

UCLA secured the 2023 NCAA women's basketball championship with an 81-59 victory over South Carolina on March 31 in Dallas, Texas. The win ended a 45-year drought for the program, which last claimed a national title in 1978. Key contributors included Charisma Osborne, who scored 18 points, and Gabriela Jaquez, who added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The championship game drew significant attention as a matchup between two No. 1 seeds. UCLA's defensive performance limited South Carolina to 32% shooting from the field. The Bruins' success builds on their strong season, where they finished with a 34-4 record and advanced through the tournament bracket.

Four days after the championship, on April 4, the 2026 WNBA Draft is set to take place. This event will see top college and international players selected by WNBA teams. The draft follows the conclusion of the 2023 college season and provides a pathway for recent standouts to enter professional basketball.

@TheAthletic has published a final first-round mock draft for the 2026 event. The projection includes anticipated selections based on player performances and team needs. Such mocks offer insights into potential draft order but remain speculative until the official event.

UCLA's championship victory highlights the program's resurgence under coach Cori Close. The team overcame injuries and tough competition to reach the final. For players like Osborne and Jaquez, the title adds to their resumes as they consider professional opportunities.

The 2026 WNBA Draft occurs amid growing interest in women's basketball, boosted by recent NCAA tournament viewership records. Teams such as the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty may target UCLA talent in the selections. Following the draft, selected players will join training camps, with the WNBA season starting in May.