Washington Mystics Re-Sign Shakira Austin to Multi-Year Contract

The 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup gold medalist will remain with the team.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and gold, conceptually representing the strategic and competitive nature of the sport.The Washington Mystics' re-signing of star center Shakira Austin solidifies their core and sets them up for a championship push.Austin Today

The Washington Mystics have re-signed center Shakira Austin to a multi-year contract. Austin, who won a gold medal with the USA Women's National Team at the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, has been a key player for the Mystics since being drafted in 2022.

Why it matters

Retaining Austin, a rising star in the WNBA, is a major move for the Mystics as they look to build on their recent success and compete for a championship. Austin's international experience and dominant play make her a valuable asset for the team.

The details

The Mystics announced the re-signing of Austin, who has been with the team since being drafted in 2022. Austin recently represented the United States on the Team USA Women's 3x3 National Team, helping the squad win a bronze medal at the Champions Cup in Bangkok. She previously won gold with Team USA at the 2025 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in León, Mexico.

  • Austin was drafted by the Mystics in 2022.
  • She won gold with the USA Women's National Team at the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
  • Austin helped Team USA capture gold at the 2025 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup.
  • Most recently, Austin won a bronze medal with the Team USA Women's 3x3 National Team at the Champions Cup in Bangkok in 2026.

The players

Shakira Austin

A center for the Washington Mystics who has been with the team since being drafted in 2022. Austin is a rising star in the WNBA and has won gold medals with the USA Women's National Team.

Washington Mystics

A professional women's basketball team based in Washington, D.C. that competes in the WNBA.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Shakira back with the Mystics. She's been a key part of our success and we look forward to her continued growth and contributions to the team.”

— Mike Thibault, Head Coach, Washington Mystics

What’s next

The Mystics will look to build around Shakira Austin as they aim to compete for a WNBA championship in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Washington Mystics have solidified their core by re-signing Shakira Austin, a rising star in the WNBA who has also found success on the international stage with the USA Women's National Team.