The Washington Mystics claimed guard/forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers Aug. 8, 2026. Laney-Hamilton, a 2024 WNBA championship winner, began the season with the New York Liberty, appearing in 17 games and making five starts. In a subsequent move, the Washington Mystics waived guard Rori Harmon.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Brings 10 Seasons of WNBA Experience
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton owns career averages of 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 251 games, including 160 starts, over 10 WNBA seasons. Her previous teams include the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky.
The Chicago Sky selected Laney-Hamilton 17th overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft after she played four seasons at Rutgers University. The Clayton, Delaware, native was named the WNBA Most Improved Player in 2020 and earned WNBA All-Defensive Team honors in 2020 and 2023.
Laney-Hamilton Owns Championship and Postseason Experience
Laney-Hamilton was named a WNBA All-Star in 2021 and won the 2024 WNBA championship with the New York Liberty. She started all 11 games during New York’s championship run and has appeared in the postseason five times, totaling 26 games and 25 starts.
Laney-Hamilton owns postseason career averages of 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists. During her 2020 season, she averaged 17.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 40.5% from the 3-point line.
Washington Mystics Waive Guard Rori Harmon
The Washington Mystics waived guard Rori Harmon after claiming Laney-Hamilton off waivers. The source announcement did not provide additional details about Harmon’s next destination.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Washington Mystics are adding a player with postseason experience, a WNBA championship and a history of individual honors. Laney-Hamilton’s guard/forward designation gives Washington an experienced addition following the waiver claim.
Read the Washington Mystics’ official announcement.
Source: Original report
