PHOENIX — If there’s anyone who might know the whirlwind of the WNBA, it’s Phoenix Mercury rookie Marta Suarez.
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Apr 25, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Marta Suarez (77) and Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) wait for the ball to come upcourt in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Suarez, a former TCU standout, has had her name involved with three different teams in her relatively short time in the league. She was drafted with the No. 16 overall pick by the Seattle Storm before being traded to the Golden State Valkyries. Although she saw action with Golden State in the preseason, she was eventually waived as roster cuts and shakeups happened before the regular season.
The forward then signed one of two developmental contracts with the Mercury, but said she was offered the same contract to stay with the Valkyries. According to The Podium Finish’s Conrado Pascual, she felt Phoenix was a “better fit.”
Mar 28, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Marta Suarez (7) drives to the basket against the Virginia Cavaliers in the Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
That decision fits a broader pattern for the Mercury, which has positioned itself as a destination for both established talent and young players looking to grow in a competitive, resource-driven environment. From veteran leadership to organizational stability, Phoenix continues to stand out as an attractive landing spot across the league.
For Suarez, the developmental contract represents both an opportunity and a chance to grow within a system the organization believes can unlock her potential. In her senior year at TCU, the forward averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 45.3% from the field.
Mar 28, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Marta Suarez (7) puts up a shot against the Virginia Cavaliers in the Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
After spending a week in the Valley, Suarez opened up about how the club has welcomed her. She spoke about how players such as Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper have helped her see the game in a different way, along with the attention to detail in practices.
One point Suarez emphasized — and one many who have gone through the Mercury organization have echoed — was the overall culture, environment and people, which she said have been a “blessing.”
“The facilities, the resources, the people and culture they have,” Suarez told Mercury.com’s Shane Young. “It speaks for itself how they’ve been so successful throughout the years.”
Spoke with Marta Suárez about her crazy last few weeks and what it means to be part of the Phoenix Mercury
“It’s been a blessing for real. The facilities, the resources, the people and culture they have. It speaks for itself how they’ve been so successful throughout the years.” pic.twitter.com/Oe6vUV8r7X
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) May 14, 2026
Her choice to join Phoenix over remaining with Golden State only reinforces what the Mercury have built: a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most attractive destinations for talent.
In a league where roster spots are limited and competition is constant, environments that prioritize development, structure and veteran leadership can make a meaningful difference for young players trying to find their footing.
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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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