Washington Mystics

Washington Mystics general manager Mike Thibault, Thomas Penson Jr. and Thomas Penson stand beside a framed jersey honoring Nikki McCray-Penson, the Pensons' late mother and wife.

‘A wonderful thing to witness’: Washington Mystics induct the late Nikki McCray-Penson into Hall of Fame

By Jenn Hatfield / August 22, 2023

Former teammates paid tribute to McCray-Penson as current players absorbed a piece of Mystics history

New York Liberty point guard Courtney Vandersloot looks up the court while throwing a no-look cross-court pass in a WNBA game against Washington Mystics wing Brittney Sykes, who is guarding Vandersloot but not looking in the direction of the pass.

Sunday Notes, Week 12: Is Courtney Vandersloot, a superstar, overlooked? Let’s discuss

By Em Adler / August 20, 2023

Every superteam has at least one star who is overshadowed – not underrated – and Courtney Vandersloot is one of a handful of Liberty players in that boat.

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins shoots a left-handed free throw.

Ariel Atkins signs two-year extension with Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / August 15, 2023

A WNBA champion and All-Star, Atkins has spent her entire career in Washington

Washington Mystics center/forward Shakira Austin raises her left hand over her head and grins during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.

Shakira Austin’s return gives Washington Mystics desperately needed jolt

By Jenn Hatfield / August 14, 2023

Austin’s return, Egbo’s efficiency show how good Mystics’ center rotation can be

Washington Mystics point guard Natasha Cloud is shown in a close-up photo, gazing down in front of her.

During a trying month, Natasha Cloud adapts as Mystics’ leader

By Jenn Hatfield / August 13, 2023

Washington’s point guard works to balance the fiery and quieter sides of her leadership

Washington Mystics players Abby Meyers, Cyesha Goree, Linnae Harper and Elena Delle Donne stand and celebrate on the bench during a game. Meyers is shouting, and Delle Donne has her right hand in the air making the 3-point sign.

How Washington Mystics’ hardship players have seized an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’

By Jenn Hatfield / August 4, 2023

Hard knock life? More like hardships life for the Mystics lately

Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes holds three fingers in the air and sticks her tongue out in celebration. The phrase "Building Around Brittney" is overlaid at the bottom in all caps, and the orange Locked on Women's Basketball logo is in the upper right corner.

Locked on Women’s Basketball: Can Brittney Sykes lead hobbled Washington Mystics to glory?

By The Next / August 3, 2023

And when will the Mystics’ injured players return?

With the arena dark for pregame introductions, Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes smiles and high-fives her teammates as her name is called.

‘Now look what I can do’: How Brittney Sykes has realized her potential with Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / July 31, 2023

‘I’m in a place where what I see in the mirror, somebody else sees’

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots during a matchup of top WNBA awards candidates between the Connecticut Sun and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 27, 2023.

The Next’s 2023 WNBA midseason awards

By Em Adler / July 26, 2023

MVP, Coach of the Year up for grabs; ROY is Boston’s to lose

Washington Mystics players put their hands together in a huddle. Point guard Natasha Cloud addresses the group.

What’s been going wrong with the Washington Mystics’ defense?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 23, 2023

Once the best defensive team in the WNBA, the Mystics have gotten away from that identity since Shakira Austin’s injury