UCLA's historic 2026 season just added another legendary chapter. Fresh off cutting down the nets for their first-ever NCAA championship, the Bruins' celebration continued at the WNBA Draft, where they shattered a long-standing record.

For nearly three decades, since the WNBA's inception in 1997, UCLA had produced just six total first-round picks. In a single, stunning night, they nearly matched that entire legacy. A record-breaking five Bruins from the championship roster were selected in the first round, setting a new standard for any school in a single WNBA draft.

The historic run began with star center Lauren Betts, who was taken fourth overall by the Washington Mystics. She was quickly followed by four of her championship teammates, a testament to the incredible depth and talent of the UCLA squad. This unprecedented haul marks a monumental shift for the program, transitioning from a respected contender to a true professional powerhouse.

For the players, sharing this moment made it even more special. "How fun is it to go through it with all of your teammates?... This is a dream come true for all of us," Betts said, already imagining the pride of seeing her former teammates across the league. "Once I see them in their W jerseys, I'm probably gonna cry... it's gonna be a really surreal experience."

This draft night triumph is the perfect capstone to a storybook season. It underscores a new era for UCLA women's basketball, proving that their national title was no fluke but the result of a roster brimming with next-level talent. For fans and aspiring players alike, it's a powerful reminder that championship culture breeds professional success.