But now franchise officials believe they have two people in place who will help the Mystics meet the moment, and, in the process, also help push the league further along. The Mystics formally introduced new general manager Jamila Wideman and new coach Sydney Johnson on Wednesday, saying they would focus on developing players off and on the court.

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.

On Wednesday morning, the team officially introduced head coach Sydney Johnson and Jamila Wideman, who will lead the team's basketball operations as the general manager. Wideman joins the Mystics after spending the last six years at the NBA league office. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Player Development.

WASHINGTON — The 2025 Washington Mystics will be led by a new head coach and a new general manager. The new leadership team met the media for the first time on Wednesday. Jamila Wideman will lead the team's basketball operations as general manager, while Sydney Johnson will guide the team's on-court efforts as head coach.