player development

UCLA center Lauren Betts walks off the floor during a Final Four game. She looks down at the court. Fans and the Final Four's "Four It All" slogan are visible but out of focus in the background.

How Lauren Betts’ development helps her WNBA draft stock

By David Mendez-Yapkowitz / November 30, 2025

There’s no doubt that the Bruins’ star center will be a lottery pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft

UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts holds the ball to her side while posting-up Mississippi big Christine Iwuala, who grimaces while bracing against Betts with a forearm. Loosely filled arena seats are hazily visibly far behind them.

Lauren Betts’ development — the good, the bad and the ugly

By Emily Adler / November 15, 2025

The projected lottery pick is a stellar talent, with one or two seriously limiting flaws

Washington Mystics general manager Jamila Wideman and assistant general manager Maria Giovannetti sit in the stands and talk before a game. Wideman holds a coffee cup in her right hand and gestures with her left as she speaks.

Why player development will remain a top priority for Jamila Wideman and Washington Mystics in 2026

By Jenn Hatfield / September 18, 2025

‘Time and talent’ are the keys to the Mystics’ rebuild long-term

The lights are dark at CareFirst Arena as Washington Mystics players huddle before a game. They are wearing black jerseys with gold trim or black warm-up shirts.

The Washington Mystics’ season is over, but the roots of a rebuild are in place

By Jenn Hatfield / September 13, 2025

Though ending on a 10-game losing streak was disappointing, 2025 was never about results for the Mystics

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase smiles as she coaches her team. She is shown from the front with a large crowd behind her.

How Natalie Nakase and her staff have driven the Golden State Valkyries’ unprecedented success

By Matthew Walter / September 8, 2025

The Valkyries are the first WNBA expansion team to make the playoffs in their first season

Golden State Valkyries center Iliana Rupert shoots a floater. She is shown from the front with a large but out-of-focus crowd behind her.

Iliana Rupert’s growth has been on full display with the Golden State Valkyries

By Matthew Walter / August 9, 2025

Rupert is scoring nearly 10 points per game this season after averaging less than 4 in her first two WNBA seasons

Dallas Wings forward Haley Jones smiles while holding both arms out to the side and making the 3-point sign with each hand.

WNBA Notes: Haley Jones’ new home and personnel problems in Atlanta and Seattle

By Emily Adler / August 9, 2025

Plus, a look at Carla Leite’s struggles from three for Golden State

Washington Mystics players stand in a huddle before a game against the Phoenix Mercury. They have their arms around each other, and the arena is dark except for a spotlight on the court.

Can the Washington Mystics’ offense shoot them into the playoffs?

By Jenn Hatfield / August 2, 2025

Defense wins championships, as the saying goes, but offense might determine whether the Mystics make the playoffs

Washington Mystics guard Lucy Olsen raises her right hand and points up ahead of her. She is alone in the frame, and her mouth is slightly open, like she might be saying something.

Fuel for the Fire: Why Lucy Olsen chose Townsville, Australia, to build on her rookie season in Washington

By Jenn Hatfield / July 28, 2025

Olsen has played sporadic minutes for the Mystics but has stayed confident and ready

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson is smiling and has his right hand up to receive a high-five from guard Jade Melbourne.

What’s made the Washington Mystics successful in the first half of the season?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 20, 2025

The Mystics are the youngest team in the WNBA, but they’ve hung with much older, more experienced teams