UCLA Bruins women's basketball

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball program began in 1974 and represents the University of California, Los Angeles in NCAA Division I competition. After decades in the Pac-10 and Pac-12 conferences, the Bruins moved to the Big Ten Conference in 2024. Home games are played at Pauley Pavilion, a historic arena on campus that opened in 1965 and underwent a major renovation completed in 2012. The team is led by head coach Cori Close, who took over in 2011 and has become the winningest coach in program history.

The Bruins have won two national championships: the AIAW title in 1978 and the NCAA women's basketball national championship in 2025. The 2025 title came after a 37-1 season, UCLA's first NCAA Final Four appearance, and a 77-63 victory over South Carolina in the championship game. The program also won the Women's National Invitation Tournament in 2015. Notable alumni include Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale, all-time leading scorer Denise Curry, and WNBA stars such as Jordin Canada and Michaela Onyenwere.

Fan culture centers on Pauley Pavilion, where the student section known as The Den provides energetic support. Traditions include the Bruin Walk, where fans greet players before games, and the fight song Sons of Westwood. The Bruins' primary rival is the USC Trojans, with the crosstown series dating back decades.[edit]

The UCLA women's basketball program was founded in 1974, with the team playing its first season under head coach Ellen Mosher. The Bruins joined the AIAW and quickly rose to prominence under Billie Moore, who took over in 1977. Moore led UCLA to the 1978 AIAW national championship, defeating Maryland 90-74 in the title game. Moore's tenure lasted until 1993, producing a 277-193 record and multiple postseason appearances.

Kathy Olivier coached from 1993 to 2005, guiding the Bruins to their first NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen run in 1999. After a brief period under Kathy Olivier's successor, Nikki Caldwell led the program from 2008 to 2011, posting a 69-28 record and two NCAA tournament berths. Cori Close was hired in 2011 and has transformed UCLA into a national powerhouse. Under Close, the Bruins have reached the NCAA tournament 12 times, including three Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, and the 2025 national championship. The 2024-25 season was historic: UCLA went 37-1, won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, and defeated LSU in the Final Four before beating South Carolina for the NCAA title. Lauren Betts was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

The Bruins have made 20 NCAA tournament appearances overall, with a 34-19 record. Their all-time winning percentage is .685 through the 2024-25 season. The program joined the Big Ten in 2024 after the dissolution of the Pac-12, bringing new rivalries and challenges.[edit]