PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury fans will have something to look forward to during the All-Star break, as guard Kahleah Copper has been named an injury replacement for Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum.
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Kahleah Copper has been named an injury replacement for the 2026 WNBA All-Star game, replacing Kelsey Plum on Team Coop! pic.twitter.com/wgJzaCLkm6
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 23, 2026
Jul 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) against the Connecticut Sun at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When the league unveiled its All-Star rosters earlier this month, Phoenix was left without a selection. Many pointed to the club’s record, which caused some deserving candidates to fly under the radar and would have left the Mercury without a representative for the first time in more than 20 years. With Plum sidelined, Phoenix now has one in Copper.
Copper will make her fifth All-Star appearance after another strong season in which she has continued to establish herself as one of the league’s premier scorers. She is averaging 20.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 42.0% from the field.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks to drive past Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on July 19, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The selection is also recognition for a player who has carried much of Phoenix’s offensive load throughout the season, including a career-high 41-point performance earlier this year against the Sparks. Even as the Mercury have worked to establish an identity and consistency, Copper has remained a reliable presence and continued to provide a scoring spark whenever she is on the floor.
As one of the WNBA’s flagship franchises, having a player represent the Mercury at the All-Star Game has been a long-standing tradition. Phoenix has had at least one All-Star in every season for more than two decades, a stretch highlighted by legends such as Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
Jul 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) drives past Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Now, Copper will represent the organization on the league’s biggest midsummer stage, adding another accolade to an already successful career.
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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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