UCLA Bruins Claim Women's Basketball National Title

Cori Close and Dawn Staley react to the Bruins' championship victory over South Carolina

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team captured the 2026 NCAA Division I National Championship on Sunday, April 5th, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in a hard-fought title game. Head coaches Cori Close of UCLA and Dawn Staley of South Carolina shared their thoughts on the historic matchup and the Bruins' triumph.

Why it matters

This is UCLA's first-ever women's basketball national championship, capping off an impressive tournament run for the Bruins. The win also marks the second national title for head coach Cori Close, who previously led UCLA to a championship in 2022. For Dawn Staley and South Carolina, the loss ends their quest for a third national title, but the Gamecocks' program continues to be one of the elite women's basketball powers in the country.

The details

In the national championship game, the Bruins defeated the Gamecocks by a score of 72-68. UCLA was led by tournament Most Outstanding Player Lauren Betts, who scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the victory. South Carolina made a late push to try and overcome a double-digit deficit, but the Bruins were able to hold on for the win.

  • The national championship game took place on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • UCLA won its first-ever women's basketball national title with the victory.

The players

Cori Close

Head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team and the architect of the Bruins' championship run.

Dawn Staley

Head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, a perennial powerhouse program seeking its third national title.

Lauren Betts

UCLA's star player and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm so proud of this team and what they've accomplished. They've worked so hard and deserve this championship.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

“Congratulations to UCLA, they played a great game and deserved to win. We'll be back, I can promise you that.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina Head Coach

What’s next

The Bruins will look to defend their national championship next season, while South Carolina will aim to bounce back and compete for another title.

The takeaway

UCLA's first-ever women's basketball national championship is a landmark achievement for the program and head coach Cori Close, who has built the Bruins into an elite contender. The loss is a tough one for Dawn Staley and South Carolina, but the Gamecocks remain one of the top teams in the country and will be motivated to return to the title game.