Phoenix Mercury

The Phoenix Mercury is a professional women's basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They compete in the Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Mercury has achieved great success, winning three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Known for their success in the league, the Mercury owe much of their achievements to standout players like Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and DeWanna Bonner. With the mix of youth and experienced players, the Phoenix Mercury is positioned well for future success.

Phoenix Mercury History

The franchise was founded in 1997 as one of the original eight teams in the WNBA's inaugural season. Basketball legend Cheryl Miller, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, was the Mercury's first head coach. Over its 24-year history, the team has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs an impressive 15 times.

One of the most memorable moments for the Mercury was receiving their 2007 WNBA championship ring. Stars Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter celebrated with fans as the team's first championship banner was unveiled. That 2007 title was clinched in a dramatic five-game series victory over the Detroit Shock, with Pondexter named Finals MVP.

The Phoenix Mercury is now one of the premier franchises in the WNBA and has sustained success over nearly three decades in Arizona.

Who is Phoenix Mercury's owner?

Mat Ishbia is the principal owner of the Phoenix Mercury franchise. Mathew Randall Ishbia is an American billionaire businessman who is the CEO and chairman of the mortgage lender United Wholesale Mortgage. Ishbia is the majority owner of both the Phoenix Suns of the NBA and the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, along with his older brother Justin. In 2023, Ishbia announced he was investing 0 million to build the Mercury their own state-of-the-art, best-in-class practice facility in the WNBA.

Phoenix Mercury Head Coach

Nate Tibbetts is the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. He is a widely-respected veteran coach with nearly two decades of experience in the NBA and NBA G League. Tibbetts joins Mercury General Manager Nick U'Ren with the goal of bringing championship-level results back to the team.

Named the 12th head coach in Mercury history, Tibbetts brings 18 years of professional coaching experience. This includes 12 years as an NBA assistant coach with the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He also spent six years coaching in the G League with the Tulsa 66ers and Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Phoenix Mercury Jersey and Logo

The Phoenix Mercury has updated their Rebel Edition uniforms for the 2024 season, creating an exciting new look for the team. These new jerseys are paired with a unique matching home-court design, a first in the league.

The new Rebel jerseys keep the black base color from the previous design but now feature a gradient pattern. This pattern is similar to the popular "The Valley" City Edition uniforms worn by the Phoenix Suns from 2020 to 2022.

A standout feature of the jersey is the large "PHX" script across the chest. This design was first introduced by Nike in 2021 for the Mercury. The "X" in "PHX" is highlighted in orange, which is a special tribute to the team's passionate fan base known as the X-Factor.

Phoenix Mercury Home Stadium

The Phoenix Mercury play most of their home games at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This arena is also the home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. The Footprint Center can seat 17,071 fans for basketball games, making it a spacious and exciting venue for WNBA action.

The arena has earned several nicknames over the years. It's most commonly known as "The Purple Palace," a nod to the team colors of both the Mercury and the Suns. During the Arizona Rattlers' arena football season, it's referred to as "The Snake Pit."

Phoenix Mercury Television Coverage

Fans of the Phoenix Mercury have multiple ways to watch their team in action. All Mercury games are televised on Arizona's Family, a local network. For those who prefer streaming, every game is also available on Mercury Live.

The team's growing popularity has led to increased national coverage. Twelve games will be broadcast exclusively on national networks: two on ABC, two on ESPN, one on ESPN2, and seven on ION. This national exposure helps bring the excitement of Mercury basketball to a wider audience.

For local fans, Arizona's Family will continue to show every game that isn't a national exclusive broadcast. This partnership has been incredibly successful, with viewership skyrocketing in its first year. Compared to 2022, ratings for Mercury broadcasts increased by over 400 per cent in 2023, setting a new record for the team.

Phoenix Mercury Top Players

The Phoenix Mercury has been home to some of the most talented players in WNBA history. Here are three standout players who have made significant impacts on the franchise:

Diana Taurasi (2004-Present):

As a shooting guard, Taurasi has been the face of the Mercury since being drafted first overall in 2004. Taurasi led the franchise to three WNBA Championships and she earned numerous individual accolades which included two Finals MVP titles, five scoring titles, and the 2009 WNBA MVP. Taurasi's arrival marked a turning point for the franchise, elevating the Mercury from a struggling team to a perennial contender.

Brittney Griner (2013-Present):

Playing as Center, Brittney Griner joined the Mercury as the first overall pick in 2013. She quickly became a dominant force, helping the team win a championship in just her second season. Griner has won two scoring titles and continues to improve each year, cementing her status as a cornerstone of the franchise.

DeWanna Bonner (2009-2019):

Playing as a Small forward, DeWanna Bonner drafted fifth overall in 2009, played a crucial role in the Mercury's success for a decade. Bonner was a key player for the franchise in leading the team to two WNBA Championships. Her outstanding performance earned her five All-Star selections in her time with the Phoenix Mercury. Although Bonner now plays for the Connecticut Sun, her impact on the Mercury's history remains significant.

Phoenix Mercury WNBA Record and Stats