The Washington Mystics fired GM Jamila Wideman on the first day of WNBA free agency Monday after one season, citing strategic differences with team leadership.
The Washington Mystics fired general manager Jamila Wideman on Monday after one season, a move that landed on the opening day of WNBA free agency.
Michael Winger, Monumental Sports & Entertainment's president of basketball, made the call. A divide came into sharper focus as free agency approached.
"Jamila has a long history in professional basketball, made many thoughtful contributions to the Mystics, and we are thankful for the time and work she devoted to the team," Winger said in a statement. "At this time, we are looking forward to this historic new season for the WNBA and remain focused on building sustainable success in Washington."
Wideman joined the Mystics in Dec. 2024 after six years at the NBA league office. She was also part of the WNBA's inaugural draft class in 1997.
Coach Sydney Johnson will handle basketball operations for now, with help from the Mystics' existing front-office staff. Washington has not said whether it will hire a permanent replacement.
Johnson finished his first year with the Mystics well-regarded for his work developing young players and setting a tone in the locker room despite a thin roster. Washington went 16-28 last season. With so many young players in the rotation, that record came with caveats.
Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, both 2025 lottery picks, were named rookie All-Stars and outperformed expectations. Shakira Austin, who played a career-high 38 games in 2025 after years of injury trouble, is a restricted free agent. The organization is hoping to bring her back.
Georgia Amoore, the No. 6 pick in 2025, is under contract after sitting out her entire rookie season with a torn ACL. Jacy Sheldon, who played two games following a late-season trade, and second-round pick Lucy Olsen are also on the books.
Washington enters the 2026 college draft holding three first-round picks: No. 4, No. 9 from Seattle and No. 11 from New York. The Mystics are looking to use this off-season to bring in proven veterans to play alongside their younger players, per a league source.
Negotiations with free agents open on Wednesday.