Mystics' Lauren Betts Confident in WNBA Outlook After NCAA Title Run

The fourth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft is focused on her conditioning ahead of her rookie season.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:41am

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The Washington Mystics selected Lauren Betts with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, and the former UCLA standout is confident in her ability to make an immediate impact. Betts, who led the Bruins to their first NCAA Women's Tournament title, is focused on her conditioning after a long college season. The 22-year-old center has already spoken with the Mystics' staff about managing her workload as she transitions to the professional level.

Why it matters

The Mystics are looking to return to the playoffs after back-to-back non-appearances, and Betts could be the foundational piece they need. As the fourth overall pick, Betts will be expected to contribute right away, and her successful NCAA tournament run has raised expectations for her WNBA career.

The details

Betts said the Mystics' staff has already assured her they will take good care of her as she adjusts to the professional game. She noted that teammate Kiki Iriafen, who had an impressive rookie season in 2025, has helped ensure Betts is prepared for the rigors of the WNBA. Betts averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game in her senior season at UCLA.

  • Betts was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
  • Betts led UCLA to its first NCAA Women's Tournament title in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Lauren Betts

A 22-year-old center who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Betts led UCLA to its first NCAA Women's Tournament title in the 2025-26 season.

Kiki Iriafen

A Mystics player who had an impressive rookie season in 2025, averaging 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“They're going to take good care of me here. I've already talked to all the staff, and they know that I just came off a long season. Just making sure that I'm taking extra care of my body. Kiki (Iriafen) has done a really good job of making sure that I know that.”

— Lauren Betts, Washington Mystics Player

“The best version of me.”

— Lauren Betts, Washington Mystics Player

What’s next

Betts will look to become only the third player in Mystics history to win Rookie of the Year, following in the footsteps of Chamique Holdsclaw in 1999 and Temeka Johnson in 2005.

The takeaway

The Mystics' selection of Lauren Betts with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft could prove to be a pivotal move as the team looks to return to the playoffs. Betts' confidence and focus on her conditioning suggest she is ready to make an immediate impact and potentially become a cornerstone of the franchise.