PHOENIX — The national perception of the Phoenix Mercury entering the offseason isn’t just that 2026 was a bad year, but that it could be a warning sign.
Each WNBA team still has four games to play when the schedule resumes Sept. 17 But with the 2026 playoff teams decided, we break down the priorities, draft capital, free agency questions and needs for each eliminated WNBA team.https://t.co/oiV5LWcaZn
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ESPN’s offseason analysts portray a team that went from the WNBA Finals to missing the playoffs, with problems on both ends of the court. Satou Sabally’s departure and the lack of consistent offensive production hurt Phoenix, while injuries to players like Kelsey Plum and Sami Whitcomb made things worse.
Defensively, the Mercury regressed, allowing seven more points per game than in 2025 and becoming one of the league’s worst rebounding teams.
But ESPN doesn’t think the club needs to tear down and rebuild, but rather reshape around its core.
Aug 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (left) next to teammate Kelsey Plum on the bench against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Alyssa Thomas remains one of the most elite playmakers in the WNBA, and Kahleah Copper continues to prove why she can change the game in an instant with her scoring. With Whitcomb and Natasha Mack still under contract for 2027 as well, there’s still something there for Phoenix to build on if it wants to get back into the postseason conversation.
The problem is that the window to do so is getting smaller.
Players are getting older, and Plum’s offseason moves will be the biggest storyline to follow. The club traded Monique Akoa Makani and high draft picks to get her, but she appeared in only a handful of games before being ruled out for the season because of injury.
ESPN views this offseason as a make-or-break one for the Mercury.
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
Keeping Plum and building around the club’s Big Three of Plum, Thomas and Copper could keep that championship window open and make Phoenix more attractive to other free agents. Losing her could force the organization to reconsider its entire strategy.
The national media message is less about a rebuild and more about not affording to waste another year.
2026 could become a temporary setback, but it also could be a prelude to what is to come if the Mercury don’t take advantage of the remaining time with Thomas and Copper.
Aug 5, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Mercury players and staff pose for a photo before a game against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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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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