PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury fans won’t need to wait until the next WNBA season to watch some of their favorite players in action, as a few of their own will play in the offseason.
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Mercury forward Satou Sabally (8) celebrates a three-pointer against the Liberty during a game at PHX Arena in Phoenix, on June 27, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
All-Stars Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas will return for a second season in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league, while Natasha Mack will play in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball.
Appearances by the team’s top talent in the offseason continue to spotlight the Mercury to new audiences. Staying active in the basketball conversation, especially with the start of the NBA season, keeps the players relevant and gives fans in the Valley more opportunities to see them in action.
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) is introduced before playing against the Golden State Valkyries in pre-season action at PHX Arena May 11, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
While the offseason can be more of a filler for sports, for three of Phoenix’s own it’s an opportunity to continue honing their craft in less stressful environments. With more memorable moments and deeper connections beyond the regular WNBA season, no matter where fans are watching from, there is more basketball to enjoy.
However, these players choosing to continue playing after the WNBA season ends speaks to a larger issue they are facing, with their CBA set to expire.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) at PHX Arena on Sept. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Fans will be able to watch these players compete over the next few months, which also highlights that players are choosing to keep playing rather than resting due to low pay in the WNBA. Sabally has been vocal about it, saying she “made more at Unrivaled than in [her] entire WNBA career.”
An extension was announced, with the WNBA and WNBPA agreeing to a 30-day deal before the CBA was set to expire Oct. 31, according to The Athletic’s Ben Pickman. Although no details about salary discussions have been released, the extension provides some breathing room for both parties to continue negotiations.
Despite ongoing CBA talks and uncertainty about next season, the offseason will still provide plenty of action.
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— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) October 10, 2025
Whether you catch Sabally and Thomas in Unrivaled or Mack in Athletes Unlimited, there will be meaningful women’s basketball to watch.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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