In a tough postseason, Alyssa Thomas and Karlea Copper’s resilient Phoenix Mercury team seemed poised to claim the championship. The Mercury dominated the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, showcasing their ability to defeat nearly any opponent. However, after a 4-0 sweep by the Las Vegas Aces, their status shifted from strong contenders to a team struggling with injuries and doubt.
The Aces celebrated their third title in four years, a dynasty built on their home court that Phoenix has long admired. Over the past two seasons, Phoenix bolstered their lineup by adding Copper, Sato Sabally, and Alyssa Thomas, hoping to establish themselves as a powerhouse. Now, facing the offseason, Phoenix is in a tricky spot with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expiring on October 31. Many worry a new deal might not be reached soon, as significant gaps remain between the WNBPA’s demands and the league’s offers.
The Mercury’s free agents include Dewana Bonner, Carlea Copper, Sato Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Sami Whitcomb. Players like Monique Akoa Makani, Lexi Hold, Kitty Lux, Natasha Mack, Kathryn Westveld, and Kiana Williams are reserved free agents—those with less than three seasons in the league and no full contract protection.
While Phoenix’s run to the Finals and their status as favorites should help entice these players to stay, questions remain about building a sustainable core for 2026, especially if Copper, Sabally, and Thomas remain. The Finals exposed vulnerabilities; Thomas, the team’s cornerstone, saw drops in key game performances, scoring and rebounding less while struggling to find her usual offensive rhythm due to defensive adjustments by the Aces. This put pressure on the rest of the team, especially the bench, which failed to keep up with Las Vegas’ surge led by Jewell Lloyd and Dana Evans.
Phoenix’s challenge is to bolster their bench strength to support their star trio better. Meanwhile, head coach Nate Tibbetts, despite leading the Mercury to the Finals and improving from early criticism, came up short against Becky Hammon’s Aces. Though he’s unlikely to be fired immediately, coaching changes in the league after playoff disappointments suggest it’s a possibility Phoenix may consider if results don’t improve.
Moving forward, Phoenix joins the rest of the WNBA in negotiating better pay and benefits as their current CBA nears expiration. The Mercury hope their key players will remain motivated to chase another title and potentially overcome the Aces in a playoff rematch.
Fan Take: This moment is pivotal for WNBA fans as it highlights the fierce competition and growing talent in the league, along with the ongoing challenges players face around contracts and stability. How Phoenix navigates the offseason could set the tone for next season and signify the WNBA’s evolution into a more competitive and player-focused league.
