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Five Bruins Selected in Record WNBA Draft

4/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 WNBA Draft set a school record with five UCLA players selected in the first round and featured 15 first-round picks due to league expansion.
Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics) became the first Bruin selected, at No. 4.
Charlisse Leger-Walker became the first New Zealand-born player drafted.
The Los Angeles Sparks had no first-round pick and selected Ta’Niya Latson and Chance Gray in the second round.

History

Historical Context

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded on April 24, 1996, as a professional counterpart to the NBA, launching its inaugural season on June 21, 1997, with eight teams. The league's growth is evident in its record 15 first-round picks in the 2026 draft, reflecting the increasing talent pool and commitment to women's basketball, following the success of players like Sheryl Swoopes and Rebecca Lobo.

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Story summary

The 2026 WNBA Draft set a school record with five UCLA players selected in the first round and featured 15 first-round picks due to league expansion.
Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics) became the first Bruin selected, at No. 4.
Charlisse Leger-Walker became the first New Zealand-born player drafted.
The Los Angeles Sparks had no first-round pick and selected Ta’Niya Latson and Chance Gray in the second round.

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