WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — With the start of the 2025 WNBA just months away, changes are coming to the Washington Mystics.
In December 2024, the team hired Jamila Wideman as the franchise’s new general manager and Sydney Johnson as the team’s coach. This came after the Mystics parted ways with head coach Eric Thibault and general manager Mike Thibault.
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, Wideman and Johnson were officially welcomed to the team.
Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, noted in a post on social media that this change was a pivotal moment for the Mystics and fans.
With over 25 years of basketball experience, Johnson said he is ready to create a winning culture in the District.
“We know the game. Success will come, but it’s about doing that year in and year out and that’s where we aim to go,” said Johnson during the press conference.
Johnson started coaching at Washington, D.C.’s very own Georgetown University before serving as the head coach at Princeton University. In 2024, he was an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky.
Last season, the Mystics had the second-worst record in the conference at 14-26, but Johnson is hoping to change that.
“We want to win basketball games,” expressed Johnson. “We want this to be home where players can find themselves and really want to be here.”
Wideman, who was part of the inaugural WNBA draft class, has strong roots in basketball and the league. She helped oversee the NBA’s player development initiatives, managed relationships with external organizations, and even spearheaded the league’s mental health and wellness platform.
She joins the Mystics after spending six years at the NBA league office.
The 2025 WNBA season will tip off on Friday, May 16. To see the Mystic’s full schedule for 2025, click here.
