UCLA's Lauren Betts Wants to Join WNBA's Seattle Storm

Star center helped lead Bruins to national title victory over South Carolina

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of UCLA and South Carolina, conveying the fast-paced action and competitive spirit of the national title contest.The geometric, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and intensity of the national championship matchup between UCLA and South Carolina.Los Angeles Today

After leading UCLA to its first-ever women's basketball national championship with a dominant performance in the title game, star center Lauren Betts has revealed the WNBA team she hopes will draft her - the Seattle Storm.

Why it matters

Betts is considered one of the top prospects in this year's WNBA draft, and her preference to join the Storm could impact the team's draft strategy and roster decisions as they look to reload their championship-contending roster.

The details

The 6-foot-7 senior recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in UCLA's 79-51 victory over Dawn Staley's South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship game. Betts' dominant interior presence was a key factor in the Bruins' blowout win.

  • UCLA won the national championship on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 senior center who led UCLA to its first-ever women's basketball national championship.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who fell to UCLA in the national title game.

Seattle Storm

The WNBA team that Lauren Betts has expressed a desire to be drafted by in the upcoming professional league draft.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to get drafted by the Seattle Storm. They have such a great organization and I think my game would really fit well with their style of play.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Senior Center

What’s next

The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place on April 16, where Lauren Betts will learn which team selects her.

The takeaway

Betts' preference to join the Seattle Storm could influence their draft strategy as they look to reload their roster and contend for another WNBA championship, highlighting the impact star players can have on shaping a team's future.