Ted's Blog

Ted’s Take is the official blog from the renowned entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, filmmaker, sports and business executive.

We Did It. We Are Champions!

We did it. We reached our goal. There is no disappointment this time. Our singular goal in everything we do is to win a championship and the Washington Mystics have won their first-ever WNBA title. We are champions.

First, I want to congratulate the Connecticut Sun who had a tremendous season and played well in a hard-fought Finals series. It was a thrill to watch both teams compete for the championship.

And to our fans, who cheered our team on to victory – I am grateful for your unequivocal support, filling up the arena at St. Elizabeths in Ward 8, supporting our athletes on social media and standing behind this team throughout every step of their journey, marking our most historic and record-breaking season in WNBA history. You have given your heart and soul to this team, and there’s no team with more heart and soul than the Mystics.

This team is special. The Mystics have such amazing star power. Time and time again, Elena Delle Donne has showed why she is the league’s Most Valuable Player and one of the top athletes in the world. Already one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, she had a career year that saw her become the first WNBA player to join the exclusive 50/40/90 club, where she shot 51.5% from the field, 43% from the three-point line and a league-high 97.4% from the free throw line.

Mystics center Emma Meesseman became Playoff Emma after she tied her career high with 30 points in an exceptional performance during Game 2 of this year’s WNBA Semifinals. And this season, Natasha Cloud made history to become the Mystic’s all-time leader in assists helping the team clinch a spot as the #1 seed in the 2019 WNBA Playoffs.

I could list the entire roster as throughout the season and during the playoffs, every player on our team has stepped up and made key plays to help us win our first championship.

And I must congratulate Coach Thibault for having coached the Mystics to one of the best seasons in WNBA history. With earning three WNBA Coach of the Year awards in his 17 years in the league and the distinction of being the WNBA’s winningest coach – He is a true legend.

These last few weeks, it has been exciting to see the increased visibility of the Mystics in various outlets led by The Washington Post and The New York Times. The media has shown great respect to women’s sports, to the WNBA and to the Mystics. We appreciate the support these incredible athletes so greatly deserve.

And what great ambassadors these athletes are of the city and our community. This season, Mystics guard Natasha Cloud earned the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her outstanding efforts in the community. Natasha has used her voice to advocate for future generations and speak out against injustices, most recently supporting the students of Hendley Elementary School in Southeast, D.C. Mystics guard Ariel Atkins held a basketball tournament in her hometown Duncanville, TX where the high school girls showcased their talent, and she hosted a supply drive for nonprofit organizations in the city – all while playing during the season in D.C. When Elena met with a Make-a-Wish recipient named Shaiana during this year’s successful All-Star game in Las Vegas, you could tell that both were moved by the interaction.

There isn’t a league in the world whose world class athletes are as accessible to their fans as WNBA players. Our players have always been dedicated to giving back to the community and now the entire world knows some of the great stories behind this great team. And this is just the start.

Thank you to our partners and to our sponsors for your ongoing commitment and continuous support of the Washington Mystics and for joining us in being a community partner in Ward 8.

Thank you to all our associates, employees, athletes, and management at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. We achieved our goal with help from each of you. Your unconditional love and support for this team helped to bring our first WNBA championship to Washington, D.C.