Michaela Onyenwere lands huge Mystics contract after helping UCLA win title

The former Rookie of the Year is returning to the WNBA after a stint as an assistant coach at her alma mater.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the official team colors of UCLA and the Washington Mystics.Michaela Onyenwere's return to the WNBA with the Washington Mystics comes after a successful stint as an assistant coach, helping her alma mater UCLA win the NCAA championship.Chicago Today

Michaela Onyenwere, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2021, has signed a $1.4 million multi-year deal with the Washington Mystics. This comes after Onyenwere helped coach the UCLA women's basketball team to its first NCAA championship just over a week ago.

Why it matters

Onyenwere's career has been somewhat unstable since being drafted 6th overall by the New York Liberty in 2021. She has bounced around the league, playing for the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky in addition to overseas teams. Her return to the WNBA with a lucrative contract shows she has regained her footing and become a valuable asset for the Mystics.

The details

During her stint with the Sky, Onyenwere put up 5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 16.9 minutes per game. She also shot a career-high 42% from the field and 84% from the free-throw line. After leaving the Bruins, Onyenwere was the fourth-leading scorer in the program's history with 1,888 points and eighth in rebounds with 885, helping UCLA to a 92-32 record over her four-year collegiate career.

  • Onyenwere was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2021.
  • Onyenwere joined the UCLA women's basketball team as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season.
  • UCLA won the NCAA championship on April 6, 2026.
  • Onyenwere signed a $1.4 million multi-year deal with the Washington Mystics on April 12, 2026.

The players

Michaela Onyenwere

A 26-year-old small forward who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and has played for the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago Sky. She recently served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, UCLA, helping the team win the NCAA championship.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who led the Bruins to their first NCAA championship.

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What they’re saying

“Michaela Onyenwere got the natty and secured the bag”

— espnW

The takeaway

Onyenwere's journey has come full circle, as she returns to the WNBA with a lucrative contract after helping her alma mater UCLA win the NCAA championship. This move solidifies her status as a valuable player in the league and showcases her ability to excel both on the court and on the sidelines as a coach.