Phoenix Mercury ready for preseason tests featuring WNBA first and international matchup

Mercury players DeWanna Bonner and Kiana Williams both emphasized the value of Phoenix’s two upcoming preseason games — one in South Dakota and another against the Japanese national team — as opportunities to put themselves to the test with a reshaped roster.

The Mercury will first travel to South Dakota, a meaningful stop for head coach Nate Tibbetts, who has strong ties to the area. Assistant coach Megan Vogel also has connections to the state, adding another personal element to the friendly competition. It will be the first time a WNBA game has been played in South Dakota.

Head coach Nate Tibbetts leads practice at Mercury training camp for the 2026 season at Mountain America Performance Center on April 19, 2026, in Phoenix. © Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“It’s awesome,” said Williams. “I’ve never been to South Dakota, probably never would have gone if it wasn’t for the game on Saturday. Nate’s all excited, and I know it’s going to be a great crowd.”

“It’s like new beginnings, something new that we’ve never seen before,” Bonner said, describing how she feels about the trip.

Beyond the excitement of the games, there is also a level of businesslike demeanor, as these matchups could help set an early tone for Phoenix as it looks to open the regular season on the right foot. Bonner stressed the importance of facing unfamiliar competition for that reason and continuing to build on what the team has established.

“Nate [Tibbetts] is all excited. I know it’s gonna be a great crowd.”

Kiana Williams on what it means for the Mercury to play in HC Tibbetts’ home state and playing against the Japanese national team in the preseason.
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DeWanna Bonner speaks on what it means to visit HC Nate Tibbetts’ home state for Mercury’s preseason matchup against the Chicago Sky. It’ll be the first WNBA game played in South Dakota.

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“Change the scenery and get out there and play against some different competition to see kind of where we measure up,” she said. “Not really looking to go out and have our best performance. We just need a measuring stick and see how we can keep building day by day.”

That theme continues when the Mercury return home to face the Japanese national team, an international test that could challenge the club’s pace, discipline and adaptability. These games provide an early glimpse of how the team is coming together under Tibbetts.

Fans cheer during player introductions in the WNBA semifinal playoff game between the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While they won’t tell the entire story of the season, the performances will be important as roster decisions are finalized before the regular season. For Williams, it’s about being ready when those games arrive — not waiting for the pace to come to them.

“It’s go time,” Williams said. “It’s coming at you fast and we’re ready. We’re locked in.”

The Mercury hosts training camp for the 2026 season at Mountain America Performance Center on April 19, 2026, in Phoenix. © Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The preseason will be full of firsts for many of these players, a homecoming for two coaches, and a test of the foundation that has been laid so far.