UCLA's NCAA Champion Trio Headline WNBA Mock Draft

Three Bruins stars projected as top picks in upcoming WNBA draft

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:05pm

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With the 2026 WNBA Draft just weeks away, ESPN's latest mock draft has projected that three players from UCLA's recent NCAA championship team - including center Lauren Betts - will be selected in the first round, with Betts potentially going as the No. 1 overall pick.

Why it matters

The WNBA Draft is a major event that helps shape the future of the league, and the inclusion of multiple players from the same championship-winning college team is an uncommon occurrence that highlights the strength of UCLA's program and the individual talent of its star players.

The details

According to ESPN's projections, in addition to Betts potentially going No. 1 overall, her UCLA teammates Kiki Rice and Charisma Osborne are also expected to be selected in the first round of the upcoming WNBA Draft.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

A standout center for the UCLA Bruins, Betts led her team to the NCAA championship and is now projected to be the top overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Kiki Rice

A talented guard who was a key contributor to UCLA's NCAA title run, Rice is expected to be a first-round selection in the upcoming WNBA Draft.

Charisma Osborne

Osborne, another UCLA guard, is projected to join her Bruins teammates as a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“This UCLA team was special, and these players have the talent and potential to make an immediate impact in the WNBA.”

— Mechelle Voepel, ESPN Women's Basketball Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place on April 16, 2026, where the top college prospects will learn which professional teams they will be joining.

The takeaway

The success of UCLA's women's basketball program in winning the NCAA championship has translated to multiple players being projected as first-round picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft, showcasing the depth of talent on the Bruins roster and the bright futures of these young stars.