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WNBA 2026 Draft: 15 Prospects, Dallas Wings First Pick

4/11/2026

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Summary

UCLA Stars Invited

The WNBA invited 15 top prospects to the 2026 Draft in New York City.
Lauren Betts, UCLA center and NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player, leads five UCLA invitees.
Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, and Angela Dugalic are UCLA invitees.
The draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026, with the Dallas Wings holding the first pick.
The event follows UCLA's celebratory week after their title win over South Carolina.

Summary

Betts and Rice Engage

Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, top prospects for the 2026 WNBA Draft, appeared at Raising Cane’s in Hollywood, engaging with fans and reporters.
The appearance is part of a media tour following the Bruins' NCAA Championship win.
The Bruins have received recognition from the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 13 in New York City, with the Dallas Wings holding the first pick.

History

Historical Context

The 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship marked a significant milestone as UCLA defeated South Carolina, enhancing visibility for emerging stars like Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice. This victory reflects a broader trend of increasing competitiveness in women's sports, highlighted by the Dallas Wings securing the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, potentially driving future investments in women's athletics.

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UCLA Stars Invited

The WNBA invited 15 top prospects to the 2026 Draft in New York City.
Lauren Betts, UCLA center and NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player, leads five UCLA invitees.
Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, and Angela Dugalic are UCLA invitees.
The draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026, with the Dallas Wings holding the first pick.
The event follows UCLA's celebratory week after their title win over South Carolina.

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