Cal Women’s Basketball Hosts Reigning Champion UCLA in Jason Kidd Foundation Charity Exhibition at Haas Pavilion

Nearly 4,000 basketball supporters filled Haas Pavilion in Berkeley as the University of California women's basketball program hosted reigning NCAA national champion UCLA in a special preseason charity exhibition game organized in partnership with the Jason Kidd Foundation. While top-ranked UCLA defeated Cal 87-53 on the hardwood, the evening celebrated East Bay basketball heritage and raised dedicated philanthropic funding for youth athletics. Event proceeds directly benefited the Jason Kidd Foundation, which maintains an ongoing commitment to girls' sports and expanding athletic access for young athletes across Oakland, Berkeley, and Contra Costa County.

The high-profile charity exhibition originated when Cal head coach Charmin Smith suggested the idea of staging a preseason benefit contest against the reigning national champions directly to Cal alumnus and NBA Hall of Famer Jason Kidd. Before tip-off on Bancroft Way, Kidd joined fellow East Bay basketball legend and Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton for an entertaining courtside fireside chat. The two Oakland natives reflected on their collegiate and professional careers while emphasizing the importance of investing in coaching mentorship and facility resources for girls' youth basketball programs.

On the court, Coach Smith used the exhibition against UCLA's championship roster to evaluate lineups and integrate promising newcomers alongside a veteran core. Cal retained seven returning letterwinners and four of five regular starters from its successful 2025-26 campaign, giving the Golden Bears a cohesive foundation entering Atlantic Coast Conference play. Freshman guard Ruby Perkins provided an immediate spark off the bench against the Bruins' pressure defense, scoring 12 points to finish as Cal's second-leading scorer of the night.

Youth basketball coaches and school athletic directors from Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, and Walnut Creek brought dozens of middle and high school players to Haas Pavilion for the charity showcase. Athletic department officials noted that testing the roster against the defending national champions provides invaluable game film ahead of November's regular season tip-off. Community foundation board members confirmed that ticket and sponsorship revenues from the Berkeley exhibition will fund equipment grants and girls' basketball clinics throughout the 2026-27 school year.

East Bay basketball fans can view the complete 2026-27 Cal women's basketball home schedule, purchase season ticket packages, and read player profiles online at calbears.com. Information regarding the Jason Kidd Foundation's youth athletic grant programs is available through the foundation's community outreach office. Questions regarding Haas Pavilion group seating or upcoming November home games may be directed to the Cal Athletics ticket department at (800) 462-3277.