PHOENIX – One of the biggest pieces of the 2025 WNBA Finals run for the Mercury is staying in the Valley, as Alyssa Thomas has finalized a deal to return to Phoenix per ESPN’s Sean Hurd. Although, what does her return signal for the future of the team?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!News: Alyssa Thomas is finalizing a deal to return to the Phoenix Mercury, per source
— Sean Hurd (@seanahurd) April 10, 2026
Sep 23, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the second half against the Minnesota Lynx during game two of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Alyssa Thomas resigns with Phoenix Mercury:
There’s a difference between keeping a star and keeping a system alive. By re-signing Alyssa Thomas, the Phoenix Mercury did both. Thomas isn’t just one of the league’s most versatile players; she’s a massive piece of what the Mercury has built around. Last season’s Finals run wasn’t run on isolated scoring bursts; it was forged around connective basketball. Phoenix thrived because Thomas turned possessions into advantages by pushing tempo off rebounds, initiating offense from the elbow, and defending across positions without compromise.
Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles against Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Satou Sabally’s expected exit removes a dynamic scoring forward entering her prime. That kind of loss can fracture identity. Instead, Phoenix responded by doubling down on reliability over replacement. Thomas guarantees a baseline of effort, execution, and emotional tone.
Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper (2), forward Satou Sabally (0) and forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrate their win over the New York Liberty 79-73 to win the series during Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first round at PHX Arena on Sept. 19, 2025, in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For Mercury fans, this is about trust. They aren’t resetting, they’re reinforcing. Thomas represents a style that is physical and mentally resilient. It’s the kind of basketball that doesn’t expire with roster turnover. Strategically, this signals something bigger. Phoenix is betting that culture and continuity can outperform star-chasing volatility. In a league trending toward superteam construction, that’s a calculated pivot. Championship windows don’t just hinge on talent; they hinge on translators. Alyssa Thomas translates pressure into production and uncertainty into structure.
Who would be the best opponent for the Phoenix Suns in the 2026 NBA play-in tournament?
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
