On the May 23 episode of multi-award-winning “Listen In With KNN,” sports and entertainment talk show on FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM, award-winning sports journalist Kelsey Nicole Nelson welcomed special guest, Alycen McAuley who served as the Washington Mystics Chief Business Officer.
“We know our basketball here in D.C. and the fans have always been so supportive of the Mystics going back 29 seasons,” said McAuley.
The show, which was recorded live at the Monumental Sports & Entertainment headquarters in Washington, D.C. McAuley shared a preview of what fans can expect ahead of the Washington Mystics 2026 season.
Nelson and McAuley spoke about the excitement of working in sports entertainment, especially during the boom of popularity in women’s sports. McAuley shared the mission of the recently launched youth sports campaign, EquipHER, which works to provide female student-athletes in D.C. with essential sports equipment to keep girls in sports.
“I love what I’m doing. Amplifying women’s sports and getting them their due, what we’re doing is normalizing female leadership,” said McAuley.
Many girls struggle to stay in sports due to the difficulty of obtaining the right equipment to play comfortably, according to EquipHER. Addressing this barrier is how EquipHER plans to give girls the necessary life lessons they learn in group sports.
“If we all really focused on wanting to close that gap we can absolutely do it. This is a community that creates change,” said McAuley.
McAuley shared how members of the Washington Mystics are excited to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of players. Additionally, support from DC Public Schools (DCPS) has been essential to the success of this initiative.
“Our players right now are really looking to be in the community and give back to girls,” said McAuley.
Nelson and McAuley shared frustrations about the gender gap in D.C. youth sports, but McAuley also hopes that EquipHER and District Dribble, which gave every elementary school student in D.C. a basketball, can help restore the joy of play and eliminate barriers to kids playing sports.
“The overall District of Play initiative from Monumental [Sports] is really focused on what are the barriers to play and how can we break those down,” said McAuley.
McAuley says that if you want to learn more about getting involved with the Washington Mystics community, tune in to games, show up to the arena, and donate to Monumental’s causes. The Washington Mystics recently chose the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation in D.C. to act as their WNBA Commissioner’s Cup beneficiary. The Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation provides service to the community by engaging in different projects throughout the year around D.C., according to their official website.
Currently holding a 24-16 record, the Washington Mystics are having a strong season. Standout players Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were recently added to the 2026 USA Women’s Basketball National Team roster. Recently, Team USA defeated France, 97-79, in the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Women’s World Cup final held on Sunday September 13.
Listen to the full episode of “Listen in with KNN” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Digital and Editorial Summer intern for Listen in with KNN.