Phoenix Mercury open camp, trying for sixth time to reach back-to-back WNBA Finals

One thing the Phoenix Mercury have yet to accomplish is playing in consecutive WNBA Finals.

They will try again, for the sixth time in their 30-year history, with a team that opened training camp Sunday with four times as many returning players as in 2025 when only Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack were back.

“We were doubted from the beginning of the season because of our roster, but we able to get to the Finals,” Copper said. “That’s a credit to our front office, to the coaches and to us sticking together and really believing what we can do.

“That started day 1 in training camp. I said to AT (Alyssa Thomas) on the training table today, do you remember when we were in camp last year and we looked at each other like we’re going to the Finals.”

Even with Satou Sabally leaving after one season to sign with the New York Liberty, Thomas and Copper believe the Mercury again will be title contenders despite the doubters already lining up again.

“Last year was my most fun coaching ever,” said Nate Tibbetts, going into his third Mercury season. “There’s excitement for what we did but also understanding we didn’t get the job completely done and there’s a chip on our shoulder for that.

“You felt it today. There was a certain belief looking at each other, and there should be. We’ve got an opportunity to build off what we did a year ago.”

Four other returners – Mack, DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb and Kiana Williams – were among 17 players in camp from the outset. Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld are among seven players still to report after their international seasons.

#Mercury Kahleah Copper on new #wnba CBA pic.twitter.com/I8OBIRxBKH

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Thomas signed for three seasons and Copper for two with both making a veteran maximum $1.2 million under a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement. Thomas, who turned 34 on April 12, was All-WNBA first team in 2025 and third in league MVP voting.

“I’ve shown to be loyal,” Thomas said of re-signing after her first Mercury season. “Last year was my decision choosing a team I wanted to finish my career with. It was a no-brainer for me. It’s a life-changing contract. We’ve played basketball a long time all over the world. I’m excited I have that opportunity.”

Thomas’ journey includes playing for USK Praha in the Czech Republic from 2018-23 in the WNBA off season. Her teammate for three of those seasons was Valeriane Ayayi, a three-time French Olympian now signed with the Mercury. 

“We actually were neighbors in Prague too so very familiar with each other,” Thomas said. “Definitely one of my favorite teammates, super versatile. She’s a 3-4 swing that shoots the 3, loves to defend. Both of us are fiery. Excited with the edge she brings.”

Tibbetts also can’t wait for 6-1 Ayayi to arrive now that EuroLeague play is completed. He has been scouting her since the 2024-25 offseason.

“She’s a player we’ve tried to get over the last couple of years,” he said. “I don’t know if it was worth it to her or the right timing for her family. 

“She kind of reminds me of DB (Bonner) a little bit. She can play 2, 3, 4 maybe even small 5. Her and AT have played together, there is a respect level there. She’s been on a top four European team the last six years of her career. She’s very smart, can really pass, guards multiple positions. It’s not just going to be on her. There will be a big hole to fill from losing Satou, but collectively that’s how teams evolve and grow.”