Overview
- Washington Mystics, which matched the Toronto Tempo's offer sheet Monday, retained restricted free agent Shakira Austin on a three-year, $3.57 million contract.
- Head coach Sydney Johnson welcomed Austin back in a team statement and praised her growth on both ends of the floor.
- Austin earned the 2025 AP Comeback Player of the Year after injuries limited her in 2024, posting career highs of 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 38 games.
- Washington is shaping its roster around young standouts Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, both All-Stars as rookies in 2025, and also added 2021 Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere on a two-year deal.
- Under WNBA restricted free agency rules, a team can keep its player by matching an offer sheet, while the expansion Tempo continue building their first roster with additions such as Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Julie Allemand and Isabelle Harrison.