Between a loaded draft class, vibrant trade market and chaotic free agency period, summer 2026 has had general managers and basketball fanatics alike checking to make sure their heads are on straight.

Twelve former UCLA women’s basketball players – 11 rostered players and one head coach – are representing their squads in the WNBA. Six of the 11 active players came from the 2026 Draft class that won UCLA’s first national championship in the March Madness era.

The storyline of Bruin basketball for the past three seasons has been Lauren Betts.
Her departure to the WNBA, alongside the five other Bruins that were selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft, opened up space for new players to shine.

As UCLA Athletics takes a break for the summer, professional sports are still in full swing, with many Bruins, past and present, representing their teams. Throughout the summer, Daily Bruin Sports will take a look at the standout performances of current and former UCLA athletes as we count down the days until fall.

This post was updated July 19 at 11:59 p.m.
For the first time since 2023, UCLA men’s basketball brought in a five-star freshman recruit, with guard/forward Nikola Kusturica set to join the Bruins ahead of the 2026-27 season from FC Barcelona Bàsquet.

This post was updated July 20 at 12:06 p.m.
UCLA is set to enter its third season in the Big Ten, following a sophomore campaign in which the program captured three NCAA championships – the most of any other Big Ten school.

This post was updated July 19 at 11:27 p.m.
After stepping away from day-to-day operations as head coach of the women’s water polo team in December due to rehabilitation from back and nerve pain, Adam Wright has officially resigned from the position, UCLA Athletics announced Friday. 
Wright will continue to coach the men’s squad – a position he has held since 2009. 
[Related: Women’s water polo coach Adam Wright to step away from day-to-day duties]
UCLA will begin a national search for its next head coach.