Former President Barack Obama Congratulates UCLA on NCAA Title

The 44th president praised the Bruins' championship-winning performance.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the celebration of the UCLA Bruins' NCAA women's basketball championship, with fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the team's colors.Former President Obama's praise for the UCLA Bruins' championship-winning performance reflects the national significance of the program's historic achievement.Los Angeles Today

Former U.S. President Barack Obama took to Twitter to congratulate the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team on winning their first-ever NCAA national championship. Obama specifically called out senior center Lauren Betts and the team's six graduating seniors, who scored all 79 of UCLA's points in the title game victory over South Carolina.

Why it matters

Obama's public congratulations highlight the prestige and national attention surrounding UCLA's championship win, as the former president is known as an avid basketball fan. The Bruins' title run and Obama's praise bring further visibility to the program and women's college basketball.

The details

The Bruins defeated South Carolina 79-72 on Sunday to capture their first NCAA championship. Senior center Lauren Betts had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks, while fellow senior Gabriela Jaquez led UCLA with 21 points and 5 assists. The Bruins' six graduating seniors scored all of the team's points in the title game.

  • The NCAA women's basketball championship game took place on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Former President Obama tweeted his congratulations shortly after the game.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, known as an avid basketball fan.

Lauren Betts

A 6'7" senior center for the UCLA Bruins, who had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks in the championship game.

Gabriela Jaquez

A senior guard for the UCLA Bruins, who led the team with 21 points and 5 assists in the title game.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, who led the program to its first national championship.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to Lauren Betts and the sensational seniors at @UCLAWBB for winning their first NCAA Championship!”

— Barack Obama, Former President of the United States

The takeaway

Obama's congratulatory message underscores the national significance of UCLA's first-ever women's basketball national championship, highlighting the Bruins' dominant performance and the accomplishments of their standout senior class.