RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sourcesBetnijah Laney-Hamilton has been awarded on waivers to the Washington Mystics, the team announced Saturday.
The New York Liberty waived the 11-year veteran Thursday after four full seasons with the franchise, including the 2024 season when the Liberty won their first WNBA championship. After missing the entire 2025 campaign while recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus injury in her left knee, she signed a one-year, $400,000 protected veteran contract .
After starting the first four games of the season, Laney-Hamilton’s role was diminished substantially. She appeared in 13 more games for the Liberty, starting just one. She was a healthy scratch for eight consecutive games before being waived.
Because the Mystics claimed Laney-Hamilton off waivers, they will pay out the remainder of her $400,000 contract. They had over $1.8 million in cap space before acquiring Laney-Hamilton, but had to waive guard Rori Harmon to make room for her on their roster.
The Mystics’ decision to claim Laney-Hamilton came down to a desire for a veteran presence as they attempt to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2023, according to a team source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing transaction. The Mystics expect her to come off the bench, but are excited to see what she can contribute as a rotation wing.
The team source also said Laney-Hamilton is “excited” to be in Washington.
The Mystics have one open developmental spot they hope to use to bring Harmon back.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic .
New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, WNBA
2026 The Athletic Media Company
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.