What Happened to Phoenix Mercury?
The Phoenix Mercury is a professional women's basketball team established in 1997 as one of the WNBA's original franchises. After winning three championships (2007, 2009, 2014), the team has remained a competitive force, reaching the WNBA Finals in 2021 and 2025, and is currently led by Head Coach Nate Tibbetts and key players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Plum in the 2026 season. The franchise was acquired by Mat Ishbia in February 2023, who has committed to enhancing team facilities and resources.
Quick Answer
The Phoenix Mercury, a WNBA charter franchise, continues to be a prominent team in the league. As of September 2026, they are under the ownership of Mat Ishbia, who acquired the team in 2023. Nate Tibbetts is in his third season as head coach, guiding a roster that includes star players like Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Plum. The team made a significant run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, ultimately losing to the Las Vegas Aces, and is actively competing in the 2026 season with a focus on veteran talent.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Phoenix Mercury Founded
The Phoenix Mercury was established as one of the original eight franchises of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
First WNBA Championship
Led by Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter, the Mercury defeated the Detroit Shock in five games to win their first WNBA title.
Second WNBA Championship
Phoenix secured its second championship, again with Taurasi leading the charge, by defeating the Indiana Fever.
Brittney Griner Drafted
The Mercury drafted Brittney Griner as the No. 1 overall pick, adding a dominant force to their roster.
Third WNBA Championship
With a core of Diana Taurasi, Candice Dupree, and Brittney Griner, the Mercury swept the Chicago Sky to win their third WNBA championship.
Mat Ishbia Acquires Phoenix Mercury
Mat Ishbia completed the acquisition of the Phoenix Mercury and the NBA's Phoenix Suns from Robert Sarver, ushering in a new era of ownership.
Brittney Griner Re-signs with Mercury
Brittney Griner re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury for her 11th season, expressing her desire to continue her career in Phoenix.
Commitment to New Practice Facility
Owner Mat Ishbia committed to building a new state-of-the-art practice facility for the Phoenix Mercury, equal to the Suns' facility.
WNBA Finals Appearance
The Mercury reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021, but ultimately lost to the Las Vegas Aces.
Brittney Griner Enters Free Agency
After playing the 2025 season with the Atlanta Dream, Brittney Griner entered free agency, ending her tenure with the Dream.
Brittney Griner Signs with Connecticut Sun
Brittney Griner signed a one-year deal with the Connecticut Sun, marking her second team change since leaving the Mercury.
Key Players Sign New Deals; Coaching Staff Additions
Superstar acquisitions Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas signed new deals. Additionally, Tangela Smith and TC Swirsky joined Nate Tibbetts' coaching staff as assistant coaches.
Brittney Griner Plays Against Mercury
Brittney Griner, now with the Connecticut Sun, played against her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, in a 2026 WNBA matchup.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Phoenix Mercury, one of the WNBA's original eight franchises, has a storied history marked by three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. The team has consistently been a playoff contender, making eighteen appearances in its twenty-eight years. A significant turning point for the franchise occurred in February 2023 when Mat Ishbia, also the owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, completed the acquisition of the Mercury from Robert Sarver. This change in ownership brought a renewed commitment to the team, including plans for a new state-of-the-art practice facility equal to the Suns' facility, announced in May 2025. (Source: Reddit, 2025)
Under Ishbia's ownership, the Mercury has focused on maintaining a competitive roster and coaching stability. Nate Tibbetts, who took over as head coach ahead of the 2024 season, is now in his third year with the team, having led them to the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025. (Source: Facebook, 2026) His coaching staff for the 2026 season includes Associate Head Coach Kristi Toliver and Assistant Coaches Megan Vogel, John McCullough, Chevelle Saunsoci, and new additions Tangela Smith and TC Swirsky, who joined in April 2026.
The team's roster has seen notable changes and strategic acquisitions. While legendary player Diana Taurasi has been a long-standing cornerstone, the 2025 season marked the end of Brittney Griner's 11-year tenure with the Mercury. Griner signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream for the 2025 season and subsequently joined the Connecticut Sun in April 2026. (Source: Athlon Sports, 2026; WNBA, 2026) To bolster their lineup, the Mercury acquired superstars Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, both of whom signed new deals in April 2026 following the league's revamped collective bargaining agreement. Kelsey Plum is also a key player on the 2026 roster.
The Mercury demonstrated their continued competitiveness by reaching the WNBA Finals in 2025, where they ultimately lost to the Las Vegas Aces. This run showcased the team's ability to contend at the highest level. As of the 2026 season, the Mercury are described as having a 'win-now mentality,' leveraging their veteran trio of Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner (though Bonner's active 2026 roster status is less clear than Copper and Thomas) under Coach Tibbetts' guidance. The team continues to draw significant fan support, having led the WNBA in home attendance in 2021 and maintaining large crowds in subsequent seasons.
CURRENT STATUS as of 2026-09-08: The Phoenix Mercury are actively competing in the 2026 WNBA season, led by Head Coach Nate Tibbetts and a core of veteran talent including Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Plum. The franchise is focused on building towards another championship under the ownership of Mat Ishbia, with ongoing investments in facilities and player resources.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Phoenix Mercury made different choices?