UCLA championship coach Cori Close earns contract extension

UCLA announced a new contract for national championship-winning women's basketball coach Cori Close.

Financial terms of the deal announced Tuesday, which runs through 2029-30, were not disclosed. Multiple reports said Close will earn roughly $2 million per year in total compensation.

"We are extremely proud of what Cori has accomplished in leading our young women," athletic director Martin Jarmond said. "Winning a national championship is a tremendous achievement, but what truly stands out with Cori is the character, leadership and daily commitment she and her staff bring to help developing her players into the best versions of themselves. We are very fortunate to have Cori leading this program, and we couldn't be more excited about the future of this team."

Close, 54, guided the Bruins to a 37-1 season in 2025-26, capped by a 79-51 victory over South Carolina in the national championship game on April 5. A record six players (five in the first round) were selected in the WNBA Draft on April 13.

"I am so grateful to Chancellor (Julio) Frenk and Martin Jarmond for the opportunity to continue teaching and mentoring the young women who choose UCLA," Close said. "I love being here in Westwood, and I am so excited for what the future holds. I would also like to say thank you to our coaches, student-athletes, support staff, alumni, fans and donors for their belief in our UNCOMMON mission. We would not be where we are today without their support and their commitment to our values. It fills me with such joy to share this with our village, and I hope we can continue to make our Bruin faithful proud."

In 15 seasons at UCLA, Close has compiled a 358-144 record with 10 trips to the Women's NCAA Tournament. She was named the Naismith national Coach of the Year in 2024-25 and the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2025-26.

--Field Level Media