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Lauren Betts' Washington Mystics rookie contract details revealed following WNBA Draft selection

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh04/13/26griffin_mcveigh

Lauren Betts saw her WNBA dreams become a reality on Monday. She was taken with the No. 4 overall pick by the Washington Mystics. Folks in our nation’s capital are excited to get Betts in action and see what can happen on the court. But before then, there will be a contract to be signed.

A nice payday is heading Betts’ way after the WNBA and WNBAPA implemented a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) recently. Betts will be making just over $1.8 million over four years as a base salary, per Front Office Sports. The rookie year will be the lowest, coming in at $407,163. By the time Betts begins her fourth WNBA season, she will be making $526,348.

Washington is hoping Betts can translate her game on the other side of the country after being a star for the UCLA Bruins. Awards flooded in for Betts for her 2025-2026 performances, being named a first-team All-American by two different outlets. This was due to an average of 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

UCLA went on to win the national championship in incredible fashion. The Bruins lost just once throughout the season before steamrolling through the NCAA Tournament.

Betts will not be walking into a team with that much recent success. The Mystics have gone through tough times on the court. To find the last playoff win, you have to go back to the 2019 WNBA Finals victory. A playoff appearance last showed up in 2023. Many in Washington feel as if they are ready to get back to winning ways. Drafting somebody like Betts certainly helps the cause.

Thankfully, some nice compensation will be coming her way. It’s a new era for the WNBA, one that the players fought extremely hard to get. Now, the rookie class gets to — literally — cash in.

Scouting report on new Washington Mystic, Lauren Betts

Below is Betts’ scouting report from one outlet. The NBA Draft Room, among others, projected Betts to go No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft.

“Betts is a dominant presence in the post who controls the paint with her awesome size and strength,” the report read. “She’s got a ton of power but also has great hands and nimble feet. Has a soft touch around the basket and can score over either shoulder. His a high level rebounder on both ends. A defensive anchor and intimidator in the paint.”