WNBA Star Lauren Betts Rules the ESPYs Red Carpet with Confidence and Intention

Lauren Betts Shines at the 2026 ESPY Awards

WNBA player Lauren Betts captured attention on the red carpet of the 2026 ESPY Awards, showcasing her style and confidence in a stunning black sequin dress. The 6'7" center for the Washington Mystics, who made waves after being drafted fourth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, used the spotlight to address vital issues such as mental health and female empowerment in sports and beauty.

A Stunning Appearance

Styled by Katie Qian, Betts wore a timeless and bold black sequin gown, stating, "I like every outfit to feel like it has a purpose and reflects who I am." She had initially considered this stunning look for the WNBA Draft but was thrilled to wear it for the prestigious ESPY Awards instead.

Celebrating Achievements

Betts' remarkable career has already seen her lead the UCLA Bruins to their first NCAA Championship earlier this year. Her accolades include leading Team USA to gold medals in both the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2021 and the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship in 2019.

At the ESPYs, she earned the award for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports, seamlessly transitioning from the court to the carpet and finally to the stage. During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her family, idols, and teammates, while shining a light on her personal mental health journey. “Looking good definitely helps me feel more confident,” she remarked, drawing parallels between her mindset before a game and her preparation for public appearances.

Empowering Through Beauty

Betts' glamorous look at the event was crafted by renowned makeup artist Keanda Vivar, featuring products from NYX Professional Makeup. The use of the Buttermelt Blush and Crazy Life Brow Lamination Gel helped emphasize her striking features. As the face of NYX’s “Make Them Look” campaign, Betts aims to redefine how female athletes are portrayed in the beauty industry.

“It's the last thing I put on before I walk out the door, and it just pulls everything together,” she said, highlighting her love for NYX's Slim Lip Pencil in Prune. Her beauty philosophy combines inspiration from those around her while maintaining an authentic expression of herself.

Striking a Balance

Lauren Betts emphasizes that athletes can express their beauty and interests off the court while being competitive in sports. "You can be competitive, tough, and dominant on the court while also embracing beauty and fashion off of it," she affirmed, reflecting the changing perceptions in women's sports.

As she continues to excel both on and off the court, Lauren Betts serves as an inspiration to many in the realms of beauty and athletics, proving that one can thrive in multiple arenas without sacrificing their passions.