With the WNBA going through some tough CBA situations, things are looking extremely bleak. As the likes of Napheesa Collier directed explosive CBA rage, the possibility of a work stoppage cannot be ruled out.
However, despite all the grim updates, the preparations for the next season are also underway. As the WNBA Draft is coming up, the permutations and combinations have already started.
Analysts expect this year’s draft to feature significant new talent. And with the top NCAA colleges in the spotlight, UCLA has been named among the top 5 colleges to watch out for. That’s because this season, UCLA is all set to land as many as three of its players in the top eight.
UCLA Set To Take The WNBA Draft By Storm
UCLA Women’s Basketball has always been one of the best teams in the college realm. However, this year, things are looking a bit brighter. With the team loaded with seniors, the overall chemistry is looking stellar.
And as the colleges put forth the names of their WNBA draft candidates, UCLA will have three of the best players featured on the April 2026 draft.
Quite expectedly, Lauren Betts will be the number one pick, with Gianna Kneepkens and Kiki Rice following suit. According to a mock draft from Bleacher Report, while Betts will be going at number one, Kneepkens and Rice will get the seventh and eighth billing, respectively.
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No. 6 Oklahoma at No. 3 UCLA tonight! 🏀
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 10, 2025
The Bruins' Lauren Betts, potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, is shooting a dominant 74% from the field, all in the paint (via CBB Analytics). pic.twitter.com/Dh0ZNPPVKG
At the moment, Betts is taking all the limelight. With her stellar display, people are touting her as the best player in the country. Her two-way play will surely bolster any team that she is a part of. And much to the delight of the UCLA and WNBA fans, Betts delivered an impressive opening night recently.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts Shines Bright In Season Opener
As the college basketball season started this month, all eyes were on UCLA. After all, with such a strong squad this year, they would be looking to dethrone last year’s champions, the UConn Huskies.
And on the opening night, UCLA came face-to-face with San Diego State. While UCLA cruised to victory, the limelight was on none other than Betts. She dropped 21 points and four rebounds in just 26 minutes of game time. The 6-foot-7 star also improved her shooting from 64% to an impressive 75%.
Thus, with things looking rosy, fans will be eager to see what happens next.