Earlier this week, I highlighted four aspects to be proud of regarding the Washington Mystics heading into the 2024 WNBA season. Now, I will address six concerns about the team as the season wraps up, some of which may linger into 2026.
To start, the Mystics struggled offensively, finishing with the ninth-best offensive rating in the league. A significant factor was their high turnover rate, leading the WNBA with an average of 15.1 turnovers per game. Key players Julie Vanloo, Ariel Atkins, and Brittney Sykes each averaged more than two turnovers per game, with Vanloo recording a turnover rate of 24.6 percent and Sykes and Atkins around 15 percent. Additionally, the team found it challenging to draw fouls, managing only 601 free throw attempts, the lowest in the league, while allowing opponents 800 attempts.
On the rebounding front, the Mystics ranked as the worst team in this category, averaging 31.9 rebounds per game while allowing 35.4 from opponents. Despite playing at the sixth-fastest pace in the league, their inability to secure rebounds is a significant concern.
Another issue is the team’s reliance on international players to bridge talent gaps in a league that may not always accommodate such athletes. While the best players globally should be a part of the WNBA, attracting top international talent is becoming increasingly difficult. European leagues often offer higher salaries, making it challenging for the Mystics to secure long-term commitments from these players. Recent seasons have seen mixed contributions from international players like Rui Machida and Li Meng, with questions looming about the future of newcomers Vanloo and Jade Melbourne.
Despite growth in the WNBA, the league’s expansion outside North America seems limited. The Mystics’ business growth appears more linked to other teams and players, rather than their own roster. They reported sellouts in all their games during the 2024 season, particularly notable at Capital One Arena, which accommodates over 20,000 fans. However, their lottery team status and lack of an All-Star player raise questions about this growth’s sustainability.
The potential relocation of the Wizards and Capitals to Alexandria was a significant story in 2024. The decision for both teams to remain at Capital One Arena may have adverse effects on the Mystics, limiting their ability to attract players who prefer to play in larger, more modern venues. The Mystics currently play in the second-smallest arena in the league despite being situated in a large market.
Looking ahead, the impending addition of three new teams by 2026—Golden State Valkyries in 2025, and two others in Toronto and Portland—will escalate competition within the league. As other teams move into NBA arenas, the Mystics risk being perceived unfavorably by players considering their contract options.
Despite these concerns, the Mystics’ late-season playoff push does not present a significant worry, as the change in dynamics influenced by upcoming expansions and a new collective bargaining agreement may alter traditional championship-building strategies.
How do you feel about the concerns facing the Mystics after the 2024 season? Share your thoughts in the comments.