NCAA UCLA Basketball

UCLA center Lauren Betts catches a pass during practice prior to the national semifinals at the Women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Phoenix.

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Women's Final Four teams reflect on the transfer portal's impact

Women's Final Four teams reflect on the transfer portal's impact

The impact of the transfer portal can be felt all around the basketball landscape, and that includes the women's Final Four. It's one contributing factor why the same four teams that reached the Final Four in 2025 are back in 2026. Each one has reached into the transfer portal whether to get a pivotal starter or a just-as-important role player. Gone are the days where programs would only build through getting top high school players. Players enter the transfer portal for different reasons, but teams often sign them for immediate success. lately being able to earn more money through revenue sharing or name, image and likeness deals has become high on that list.