The phones are buzzing, and the updates are coming thick and fast from the WNBA as the biggest free agency market is setting the pace for the 2026 season. With many top players deciding to stay with their original franchise, Satou Sabally’s move to the New York Liberty and Nneka Ogwumike’s move to the LA Sparks certainly change the dynamics. The Washington Mystics, though, took a measured approach and signed Michaela Onyenwere.
Not a big-name player or an All-Star, but an impactful player to decide the game. Interestingly, she played a huge part in UCLA’s first-ever championship and could once again be a factor for the Mystics’ second title.
Washington Mystics Signs Michaela Onyenwere
The former Rookie of the Year winner was part of the Chicago Sky franchise in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The player had limited opportunities with the franchise due to its stacked forward lineup, yet averaged over 6 points, an assist, and a rebound in 76 games.
As per a report from Chiney Ogwumike, the forward signed a multi-year deal worth more than $1.4 million with the Washington Mystics in free agency.
Announcing the move, Ogwumike wrote, “Fresh off of coaching UCLA to a national championship, small forward Michaela Onyenwere has signed a multi-year contract worth over $1.4M with the Washington Mystics, her agent Ticha Penicheiro of Priority Sports tells ESPN.”
BREAKING: Fresh off of coaching UCLA to a national championship, small forward Michaela Onyenwere has signed a multi-year contract worth over $1.4M with the Washington Mystics, her agent Ticha Penicheiro of Priority Sports tells ESPN.
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) April 12, 2026
The 2021 Rookie of the Year joins a core of… pic.twitter.com/sNZ1xKtakW
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During the recent WNBA off-season, Onyenwere served as an assistant coach for champion UCLA during the 2025-26 season. She played for the Bruins from 2017-21 and became the program’s first two-time AP All-American.
UCLA’s Kiki Rice Praises Michaela Onyenwere
UCLA is set to make history with the largest number of possible draftees in the league. The Mystics could land Kiki Rice or Lauren Betts as their fourth overall pick, as the mock draft shows UCLA stars earning high selections. As for Rice, the player has nothing but praise for her assistant coach, Onyenwere.
Speaking with CBS, she said, “I think we’re really fortunate to have someone who’s been through that and is currently still playing, so can give us some behind-the-scenes advice on what it’s gonna take to be successful.”
Same game, different role 🏀
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 4, 2026
Michaela Onyenwere on the sidelines with her alma mater @UCLAWBB as an assistant coach at Final Four! pic.twitter.com/T8gbbDDDXo
The prolific guard even said that Onyenwere has been a good mentor for the players entering the draft this year. Pairing Onyenwere with one or two of UCLA’s players would also be valuable in helping the incoming rookies transition to the WNBA.