UCLA Women’s Basketball Set for Exhibition Match Against Canadian National Team

The UCLA women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exhibition game against Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team on July 22, marking the Bruins' inaugural game on Canadian soil. The matchup will take place at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, starting at 7 p.m., as part of the W'HOOP IT UP event designed to support Canada’s preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Berlin.

Michael Bartlett, President and CEO of Canada Basketball, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring our Senior National Teams back to Canadian soil as we continue our journey toward FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 in Berlin and FIBA Men’s World Cup 2027 in Qatar.”

UCLA women’s basketball is fresh off a remarkable season, having finished with an impressive 37-1 record and securing the National Championship earlier this year. Head coach Cori Close highlighted the importance of this opportunity, saying, “We’re always looking for opportunities to get better, so it was a no-brainer to sign on for W'HOOP IT UP.” She added, “It will be such a great experience for us to play against Canada Basketball’s Senior Women’s National Team. We’re excited to create some ‘Remember When’s’ while we’re up north, compete at the highest level, and become closer as a team.”

This season presents unique challenges for Close, as the reigning champions have experienced significant roster changes, with six players moving on to the WNBA. Nonetheless, Close is ready to embrace the challenge and lead her team through this new chapter.