{
  "id": 325372,
  "title": "Washington Mystics claim former Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/washington-mystics-claim-former-liberty-forward-betnijah-laney",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T22:46:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/washington-mystics-claim-former-liberty-224603465.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Washington Mystics have claimed former New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers, according to a team announcement on Saturday. Laney-Hamilton, an 11-year veteran, was waived by the Liberty after a successful four-season stint, including the 2024 WNBA championship season. She had missed the entire 2025 season due to a meniscus injury, but signed a one-year, $400,000 contract with the Mystics. Upon her arrival with the Mystics, she started in the first four games before her role diminished. She played 13 more games, starting only once, and was a no-show for eight consecutive games before being waived. The Mystics, who had over $1.8 million in cap space, will pay out the remainder of Laney-Hamilton's $400,000 contract. They acquired her in pursuit of a playoff spot, having clinched one since 2023. To make room for her, they waived guard Rori Harmon. The Mystics plan to use one of their developmental spots to potentially bring Harmon back. Laney-Hamilton expressed excitement about joining the Mystics and contributing as a rotation wing.",
  "summary": "Betnijah 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…",
  "key_points": [
    "Washington Mystics claim Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers.",
    "Laney-Hamilton, 11-year veteran, waived by New York Liberty.",
    "Mystics pay out remaining $400,000 contract for playoff push."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Washington Mystics' addition of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton reflects their aggressive pursuit of a playoff spot, but her inconsistent play and eventual waiver indicate a roster shake-up may be needed.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Mystics Waive Former Texas Star to Clear Spot for Betnijah Laney-Hamilton",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/mystics-waive-former-texas-star-to-clear-spot-for-betnijah-laney",
        "published": "2026-08-08T22:23:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}