Thunder's Cason Wallace Celebrates Girlfriend Kiki Rice's WNBA Draft Selection

The Oklahoma City guard was beaming with pride as his UCLA partner was chosen in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:48am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in the team colors of the NBA and WNBA, capturing the celebratory energy of draft night for the two leagues.The shared joy between an NBA player and his WNBA-bound partner reflects the growing unity between the professional basketball leagues.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace set aside his team's playoff preparations to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City on Monday night and support his girlfriend, former UCLA star Kiki Rice, as she was selected by an expansion franchise.

Why it matters

The heartwarming moment between the two young basketball stars highlights the growing connection between the NBA and WNBA, as well as the personal bonds that can form between elite athletes competing at the highest levels of their respective sports.

The details

Wallace, the Thunder's starting point guard, was seen beaming with pride and joy as Rice's name was called by the new Toronto franchise. The couple has been dating since their time together at UCLA, where they were both standout players for the Bruins.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday, April 14, 2026 in New York City.

The players

Cason Wallace

The starting point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who attended the WNBA Draft to support his girlfriend being selected.

Kiki Rice

A former star guard for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, who was selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the expansion Toronto franchise.

Toronto

An expansion franchise that joined the WNBA and selected Kiki Rice in the 2026 draft.

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What they’re saying

“Cason was so proud and happy for me. It was a really special moment that we got to share together.”

— Kiki Rice, WNBA Draft Selectee

The takeaway

The bond between Cason Wallace and Kiki Rice exemplifies the growing connection between the NBA and WNBA, as elite athletes from both leagues support each other's journeys to the professional ranks.