UCLA women's basketball head coach Cori Close is on the verge of a well-deserved pay raise after leading the Bruins to their first-ever NCAA national championship in April. The historic victory has put Close in the spotlight, and the University of California's Board of Regents is taking notice.

During a celebration on Tuesday, the Regents honored Close and the Bruins for their championship run, with Close reportedly receiving a standing ovation. The following day, the Regents are set to discuss a potential salary increase for the coach in a closed session at the Luskin Conference Center—a clear sign that her success is being rewarded.

"I’m proud of what coach Close has done in leading our young women," UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond told the California Post. "Obviously, winning a national championship is significant, but the character and the way that she and her staff develop young women to be the best version of themselves is something that we’re all proud of. We’re very fortunate to have her as the leader of our program and very excited for the future."

Close has been at the helm of UCLA women's basketball since 2011, building a program that has become a powerhouse in recent years. Over the last two seasons, she has guided the Bruins to back-to-back Final Four appearances, culminating in the 2026 national championship. Her impact extends beyond college, as she prepares her players for the professional ranks. This year, UCLA made WNBA history by having six players drafted in the same class—the most from a single school in league history.

Before earning performance bonuses for the championship win, Close's base salary was $1.2 million this season. Now that she has delivered a title to Westwood, she has positioned herself for a significant raise, reflecting her value to the program and the university. For Bruins fans and sports apparel enthusiasts alike, this is a moment to celebrate a coach who has turned UCLA into a national contender—and who is finally getting the recognition she deserves.