UCLA players could make WNBA history without even playing a single game

The 2026 WNBA Draft remains uncertain in terms of timing and the top pick, but UCLA is poised to make history by potentially producing five first-round selections. This would break the current record of four first-round picks from a single program, held by UConn since 2002.

UCLA's success, with a 24-1 record, is driven by a senior class of six highly productive players. At least five—Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, and Charlisse Leger-Walker—are strong candidates for the first round, with each excelling in key statistical areas and possessing distinct WNBA-ready skills, from Betts' lottery potential to Kneepkens' elite three-point shooting.

Historically, only UConn, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and Oregon have had at least three first-round picks in a single draft. UConn's 2002 class of Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Asjha Jones, and Tamika Williams set the benchmark, while other notable groups include UConn's top-three picks in 2016 and South Carolina's trios in 2017 and 2023.

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