UCLA wins first NCAA women's basketball title

Senior center Lauren Betts leads Bruins to dominant championship victory

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:03am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, sweeping brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, pink, and yellow, capturing the intensity and excitement of the NCAA women's basketball national championship game.UCLA's dominant victory over South Carolina showcases the raw power and passion of women's college basketball.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins have won their first-ever NCAA Division I women's basketball national championship, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51 in a lopsided title game. Senior center Lauren Betts was the driving force for the Bruins, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds in a dominant all-around performance.

Why it matters

This championship marks a historic milestone for the UCLA women's basketball program, which had never previously won a national title. The Bruins' victory over the defending champion Gamecocks also signals a potential shift in the balance of power in women's college basketball.

The details

Betts, a 6-foot-7 senior, was the catalyst for the Bruins all season and saved her best performance for the biggest stage. She controlled the paint at both ends, altering shots on defense and finishing strong around the rim on offense. The Bruins led by double digits for most of the game and pulled away in the second half for the convincing win.

  • The NCAA Division I women's basketball national championship game was played on April 6, 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 senior center for the UCLA Bruins, Betts was the driving force behind the team's first national championship.

UCLA Bruins

The women's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles, which won its first-ever NCAA national title in 2026.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The defending NCAA women's basketball champions, who were defeated by UCLA in the 2026 national title game.

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What they’re saying

“This team has worked so hard all season, and to see it all come together on the biggest stage is just incredible.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Senior Center

What’s next

The UCLA Bruins will look to defend their national championship next season, while South Carolina will aim to bounce back and regain the title.

The takeaway

UCLA's first-ever women's basketball national championship represents a landmark achievement for the program and the continued growth of the sport. Betts' dominant performance underscores her status as one of the top players in the country and a fitting leader for the Bruins' historic title run.