PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury announced Sunday that the team is re-signing four players from their team that made the WNBA Finals last year.
First, they announced the signing of Alyssa Thomas, a forward, is a 12-year WNBA veteran, six-time WNBA All-Star, four-time All-WNBA selection, seven-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection, and a league all-time leader in triple-doubles.
"Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” said Mercury General Manager Nick U’Ren. "Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the Finals last season."
In addition to her accomplishments within the WNBA, 34-year-old Thomas has won gold medals with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2022 FIBA World Cup.
They also re-signed four-time All-Star Kahleah Copper.
"Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness," said U’Ren. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”
Copper averaged more than 15 points a game last year, and she was one of six players in the league to average at least 15 points and two made three-pointers per game.
DeWanna Bonner will also be returning to the Mercury for 2026.
Bonner is a two-time WNBA champion, and this will be her 12th season with the Mercury.
"Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” said U'Ren. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams."
She ranks second in franchise history in games and minutes played, steals, three-pointers, free-throws made, and double-doubles.
Finally, the team is bringing back nine-year veteran Sami Whitcomb for 2026.
Whitcomb will enter her second year with the team after she appeared in 43 games last year.
She is a two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm, and she scored a career-high 36 points in a game for the Mercury in 2025.
The Merc tip off on the road to begin their 44-game regular season on Saturday, May 9, for a Finals rematch against the Las Vegas Aces.
Phoenix has its home opener on Tuesday, May 12, against the Minnesota Lynx for a semifinals rematch.
