Phoenix, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury experienced a remarkable turnaround this season, driven by key offseason changes. Departing from franchise legends Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, the Mercury restructured their roster by acquiring Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, forming a potent trio with Kahleah Copper. Despite a promising regular season and playoff victories, the Mercury faced defeat in the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces. Looking ahead, the team must navigate challenges as numerous players become unrestricted free agents, impacting their future strategy and continuity.
Phoenix
Phoenix Mercury’s Bold Offseason Moves Lead to Unexpected WNBA Finals Appearance
The Phoenix Mercury made significant changes to their roster during the offseason, departing from franchise cornerstones Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner after enduring three consecutive losing seasons. Under the leadership of general manager Nick U’Ren, the team adopted an aggressive approach to restructure, aiming to redefine its identity within the league.
A landmark trade, recognized as the largest in WNBA history, was pivotal in the Mercury’s transformation. The team acquired Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, who complemented Kahleah Copper to form a new “Big Three.” Thomas is known as a perennial MVP contender, while Sabally has emerged as a rising star; Copper is acknowledged for her all-around reliability on the court. U’Ren aspired to create a competitive team swiftly, circumventing the need for a major rebuilding phase despite the loss of key players.
During the regular season, the Phoenix Mercury achieved a commendable 27-17 record, significantly surpassing preseason expectations, as they were initially ranked seventh out of thirteen teams by ESPN. They propelled themselves into the playoffs, overcoming both the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time in years.
Alyssa Thomas showcased exceptional performance throughout the regular season, making history with a WNBA record of eight triple-doubles. She earned selections to both the First Team All-WNBA and the All-Defensive Teams. Sabally also emerged as a key contributor during the playoffs, averaging 16.3 points per game and earning an All-Star starter position in her inaugural season with the Mercury. Additionally, veteran player DeWanna Bonner returned to the team mid-season, providing essential experience that aided the team’s playoff success.
Despite the momentum carried into the finals, the Mercury ultimately faced a decisive defeat against the Las Vegas Aces, who secured their third championship with a clean sweep in the finals series. A crucial factor in the Mercury’s remarkable turnaround was the culture fostered by U’Ren and head coach Nate Tibbetts, which emphasized transparency, mutual respect, and a shared ambition to win.
Looking ahead, the Mercury face challenges with upcoming negotiations in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), where nearly every player in the WNBA will become a free agent. Key members of the Mercury’s roster, including Thomas, Sabally, Copper, and Bonner, are unrestricted free agents, which poses a potential obstacle to maintaining continuity. Nonetheless, U’Ren is already considering strategic moves to build upon the progress achieved this season.
Rookies such as Monique Akoa Makani made significant contributions, marking a historic moment as the first Cameroonian player to join a WNBA Finals roster. Her performance during her debut season reflects the young talent that will be crucial to the Mercury’s future initiatives.
Table of Key Information
| Key Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Record in Regular Season | 27-17 |
| Notable Acquisitions | Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper |
| Playoff Performance | Defeated New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx |
| Finals Outcome | Swept by Las Vegas Aces |
| Upcoming CBA Concerns | Many players are unrestricted free agents |
FAQ
What major changes did the Phoenix Mercury undergo in the offseason?
The Mercury underwent a significant roster overhaul, moving on from longtime players Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, and acquiring Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally in what is considered the largest trade in WNBA history.
How did the Phoenix Mercury perform in the regular season?
The Mercury finished the regular season with a 27-17 record, exceeding preseason expectations as they were ranked seventh among thirteen teams.
What challenges does the team face moving forward?
The Mercury face challenges due to multiple players becoming unrestricted free agents, which may complicate their efforts to maintain continuity and build on this season’s success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WNBA Faces Leadership and Officiating Challenges
Additional Resources
- SI: Mercury vs Wings Overview
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Mercury
- Review Journal: Jackie Young Profile
- Google Search: WNBA 2025 Playoffs
- ESPN: WNBA Finals 2025 Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- The Next: Mercury Roster Reshape
- Google News: Phoenix Mercury 2025
- Fever: Player Review – Sophie Cunningham
- Google Scholar: WNBA Articles
- Burn City Sports: Akoa Makani Reflection
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