UCLA Bruins Women's Basketball History
The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team played their first season in 1974 and shortly after claimed their first national title in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women in 1978. After joining the NCAA in 1984, the Bruins have made 20 appearances in the women’s national championship tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight three times, in 1999, 2018 and 2025, with the latter run pushing the Bruins to their first Final Four. The Bruins have also earned two first conference tournament championships: once as members of the Pac-12 in 2006, and again within the Big Ten in 2025. Head Coach Cori Close has led the Bruins since 2011, guiding the Bruins to seven of their 10 Sweet Sixteen appearances. UCLA has been home to multiple future professional women’s basketball players such as Denise Curry, Ann Meyers, Noelle Quinn, Natalie Nakase, Jordin Canada and Michaela Onyenwere.
UCLA Bruins Team Info
Conference: Big Ten
Team Colors: Blue and gold
Team Rivals: USC, Arizona, Notre Dame
UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion
UCLA plays in Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, Los Angeles, on the UCLA campus. The arena opened in 1965 and was most recently renovated in 2012. Nicknamed "New Pauley" when it reopened, the venue currently seats 13,800 and hosts other UCLA campus events. During the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Pauley Pavilion has been slated to serve as the site for the Olympic Village and training. The playing surface at Pauley Pavilion for the Bruins women’s basketball team is called Nell and John Wooden Court, which honors the legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach John Wooden and his wife, Nell.