UCLA was ready to rise to occasion and win the program’s first NCAA national championship

UCLA celebrates the national champinoship. | Getty Images Congratulations to the UCLA Bruins, the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball national champions. UCLA ran away from South Carolina on Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, sealing a near-perfect 37-1 season that featured a perfect run to the Big Ten regular-season championship and a first-ever Big Ten Tournament title with a 79-51 victory.

The title is the program’s first in the NCAA era, as the Bruins won the AIAW national championship in 1978. YOUR 2026 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆 #WFinalFour pic. twitter.

com/LWOhYGCL32 — NCAA Women's Final Four (@WFinalFour) April 5, 2026 UCLA’s celebrated sextet of seniors, appropriately, were all over the Bruin win. After an early issue with her windpipe, Lauren Betts’ presence proved pivotal. Kiki Rice exhibited ultimate control.

Gabriela Jaquez epitomized her “All Gas Gabs” moniker. Gianna Kneepkens swished a several sweet one-legged fadeaways. Charlisse Leger-Walker was a weapon from behind the arc.