WNBA free agency officially opened Monday, with the Washington Mystics making a major front-office change just one day before teams begin contract negotiations.
The Mystics parted ways with general manager Jamila Wideman after one season on the job. ESPN reported the split stemmed from strategic differences with Monumental president of basketball Michael Winger, who made the decision on the opening day of free agency.
Coach Sydney Johnson will assume control of basketball operations as the team moves forward without a GM. Johnson is entering his second season with Washington, after earning praise for his player development work during last season's 16-28 WNBA run.
Wideman joined the DC franchise in December 2024 after spending six years with the NBA.
The Mystics are continuing to build around their young core — namely All-Star rookie duo Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. The team is also anticipating three first-round 2026 WNBA Draft picks.
Rumors Swirl as WNBA Free Agency Heats Up
Teams have already extended qualifying offers and designated core players. Contract negotiations begin Wednesday with signings due by Saturday, creating a compressed three-day window for deal-making.
While franchise players Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and A'ja Wilson announced they plan to stay with their current teams, many other prominent names could change jerseys this week.
WNBA vets Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins reportedly plan to leave Seattle, after the Storm fired coach Noelle Quinn following last season's first-round playoff exit.
Monday’s 2025 WNBA Draft could seriously shape the future for the three teams at the helm of this year’s lottery, as top pick-holders Dallas, Seattle, and Washington all prepare to make major moves after a rollercoaster offseason.
The Wings currently hold the overall No. 1 pick, while Seattle will select second after a blockbuster three-team trade with LA and Las Vegas sent star Jewell Loyd to the Aces and the No. 2 pick to the Storm.
Washington also wields significant draft capital following another series of trades, which sent top guard Ariel Atkins to Chicago in exchange for the No. 3 pick. Meanwhile, the Mystics also hold Monday's fourth and sixth first-round selections.
While Dallas and Seattle wield the highest picks, Washington’s wealth of selections gives them the most first-round influence — especially over expansion franchise Golden State’s No. 5 pick.
"I think it actually creates an opportunity for us to build strength in a couple of different ways," said Mystics GM Jamila Wideman.
Flexibility is key in navigating the WNBA Draft
Uncertainty has reigned supreme in recent months, as team executives find out alongside the public exactly which college stars are entering the WNBA’s talent pool as some eligible standouts opt to remain in the NCAA for one final season.
"We're always nimble as GMs in this league," Dallas GM Curt Miller told media on Thursday. "You don’t truly know who is declaring and coming into the draft until the very end."
As for teams outside of the lottery, they'll have to cross their fingers and wait patiently on Monday, as last year’s lowest record-holders raid the draft pool first.