The Washington Mystics are gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, with a mix of young talent and strategic moves. With a 16-28 record in 2025, they secured three first-round picks in the WNBA Draft, including the 4th, 9th, and 11th overall picks. They also have an extra second-round pick from their 2024 trade of Myisha Hines-Allen and retained their third-round pick, giving them a total of six picks. This is a promising start for a team focused on rebuilding with youth.
Under contract are some standout players. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, both 2025 WNBA All-Stars, are under contract for an unprotected $80,408 each. Citron's rookie season was impressive, breaking the Mystics' scoring record, and Iriafen is a quality big for the future. Georgia Amoore, Washington's third first-round pick in 2025, is a 25-year-old rookie recovering from an ACL tear. Her potential as the team's long-term point guard is promising, and she's under contract for $77,156. Lucy Olsen, picked later in the draft, impressed with her solid performances and is the team's cheapest contract at $70,653.
The Mystics also acquired Jacy Sheldon in a trade, but she suffered an injury after just two games, missing the rest of the season. Her contract is for an unprotected $82,399. The team has to decide on Sheldon's fourth-year team option, as she's the only player under contract not coming off her rookie season.
In terms of unrestricted free agents, Washington has few, including Stefanie Dolson, Alysha Clark, and Jade Melbourne. Dolson, a 6'5 center, had a down year but is a strong big with a 3-point shot. Clark, the league's oldest player at 38, is an experienced winner but may not fit into Washington's rebuild plans. Melbourne, just 23, is a young, experienced point guard with a bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Mystics also have two restricted free agents, Sug Sutton and Shakira Austin, and two reserved free agents, Emily Engstler and Madison Scott. The team must decide on the value of Austin and Sutton, with Austin's injury concerns and Sutton's solid year after a bigger role. Engstler and Scott are also under consideration for qualifying offers.
Overall, the Washington Mystics are in a solid position for 2026, with a mix of young talent and strategic moves. They have the potential to attract free agents and build a competitive team, but they must also focus on veteran signings to lead the young players and support their growth.
