Michaela Onyenwere, UCLA women's basketball assistant coach, has signed a multi-year deal worth over $1.4 million with the Washington Mystics after helping the team win its first NCAA title. She previously played for UCLA from 2017-2021 and was a two-time AP All-American.
UCLA Bruins assistant coach Michaela Onyenwere against the Texas Longhorns during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
After helping UCLA womenâs basketball win its first NCAA title in program history earlier this month, forward Michaela Onyenwere has reportedly signed a multi-year deal worth more than $1.4 million with the Washington Mystics in free agency, according to ESPNâs Chiney Ogwumike.
Onyenwere served as an assistant coach for UCLA during the 2025-26 season. She played for the Bruins from 2017-21 and became the programâs first two-time AP All-American when she was named an AP Third Team All-American as a junior and senior.
After her career with UCLA, the New York Liberty drafted Onyenwere with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Since then, Onyenwere has played for the Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky.
UCLA has six players entering the 2026 WNBA Draft, and the Mystics have two first-round picks (No. 4 and No. 9). In ESPNâs latest mock draft, the Mystics are predicted to sign center Lauren Betts and guard Kiki Rice.
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51), guard Kiki Rice (1) and Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Achol Akot (11) wait at center court for the opening tip off at Pauley Pavilion.
Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens are also projected to be first-round picks in the draft. Meanwhile, Angela DugaliÄ and Charlisse Leger-Walker are expected to be late first-round or early-second picks.
Therefore, there will be multiple opportunities for the Mystics to draft a Bruin and reunite part of the reigning national championship team.
Pairing Onyenwere with one or two of UCLAâs players would also be valuable in helping the incoming rookies transition to the WNBA. In March, Rice said that Onyenwere has been a good mentor for the players entering the draft this year.
âI think weâre really fortunate to have someone whoâs been through that and is currently still playing, so can give us some behind-the-scenes advice on what itâs gonna take to be successful,â Rice said, per CBS Sportsâ Jack Maloney.
The Bruins will soon know where the next chapters of their careers will begin. The 2026 WNBA Draft is set to take place on Monday at 4 pm PST.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Michaela Onyenwere has signed a multi-year deal worth more than $1.4 million with the Washington Mystics.
Michaela Onyenwere helped UCLA women's basketball win its first NCAA title during her tenure as an assistant coach.
Michaela Onyenwere has played for the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago Sky in the WNBA.
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