UCLA Coach Cori Close Hints at Potential WNBA Move Amidst Work-Life Balance Struggles

UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close, fresh off leading the Bruins to their first national championship, has acknowledged that a move to the WNBA remains a possibility due to ongoing challenges with work-life balance in her current role. Close signed a contract extension that features a 25% reduction in her buyout if she accepts a head coaching position in the WNBA. This provision would lower her buyout to $1.5 million from $2 million if she leaves UCLA before March 1, 2027, for a professional league.

Close stated that her ability to be a good daughter and friend, alongside maintaining her health, is a significant factor in her coaching decisions. "Honestly, I haven’t been doing that and I am determined to do so," Close said, addressing her workload. "But I think that if I wasn’t able to find the right balance in college, that probably would be my next step, in the WNBA."

The coach, who recently turned 55, pointed to the potential benefits of a professional coaching job, such as the absence of recruiting and fundraising responsibilities that are inherent to college coaching. "There’s no recruiting, no fundraising – you know, some of those things that I need to do [at UCLA]," Close explained. "But I’m a person of faith – God gave me this job, and he’s gonna let me know when it’s time to not have it."

Close, who holds the record for most victories at UCLA with 358 wins over 17 seasons, has recently hired an executive coach to help manage her demanding schedule. "That’s been really helpful," she noted. "But I think I still am a work in progress in that way."

She also expressed gratitude for the support she receives from UCLA administration, including Chancellor Julio Frenk, who has reached out to discuss her well-being. Close believes the university is moving in the right direction toward achieving "sustainable excellence in a more balanced fashion."

As an advocate for women's basketball, Close is also keeping an eye on potential legislative changes. She mentioned the Protect College Sports Act, expressing interest in how it might enhance college sports if passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Close emphasized the need for a one-time transfer rule, competitive equity and transparency in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) dealings, and accountability for NIL's original purpose.

Despite the demanding schedule, Close has managed to find brief periods for relaxation, including trips to Cabo and Hawaii since the championship win. "So I have had some pockets," she said. "But it has been the busiest seven months of my life. But who’s complaining? I’ve had a lot of really sweet things I’ve been able to experience."