The Phoenix Mercury will replace Satou Sabally's production through a by-committee approach after her departure in free agency. The team retained key players from last season's WNBA Finals run but faced challenges in this expedited offseason.
Key points
Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren outlines a by-committee approach
Satou Sabally departed in free agency after one season with the team
The Mercury retained key players from last season's WNBA Finals
U'Ren noted the challenges of a condensed offseason
Decisions were made quickly due to tight timelines
Phoenix retained the core that advanced to the WNBA Finals last season, including forward Alyssa Thomas, guard Kahleah Copper, guard Monique Akoa Makani, guard Sami Whitcomb and forward DeWanna Bonner, in a fast-paced free agency period that's been expedited amid a condensed offseason. However, the Mercury weren't able to keep Sabally, the team's leading scorer last season.
U'Ren didn't go into detail about Sabally's departure from Phoenix and sidestepped questions about the team's decision not to use the core designation on her but U'Ren did point to the unique challenges of this year's offseason, where "everything moves really, really quickly."
"I'm not going to get too much into the decision in terms of core, not core, which players we thought we might use it on or not," U'Ren said during a press conference on April 16. "I think this offseason was interesting and just in terms of the timelines and what decisions needed to be made when strategically. I hate to be vague, but so many factors go into those decisions.”
He continued: "I'm no sports historian, but... few other leagues have gone through what this league just went through in terms of doing everything in a three to four week period. So when you talk about condensed timelines and the ramifications of decisions... there's tons of factors, tons and tons of timelines that go into everything."
Q&A
What is the Phoenix Mercury's plan after Satou Sabally's departure?
The Phoenix Mercury plans to replace Satou Sabally's production through a by-committee approach.
Who are the key players retained by the Phoenix Mercury for the upcoming season?
The Mercury retained Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, Monique Akoa Makani, Sami Whitcomb, and DeWanna Bonner.
Why did Satou Sabally leave the Phoenix Mercury?
Satou Sabally left the Phoenix Mercury in free agency after being the team's leading scorer last season, but specific reasons for her departure were not detailed.
What challenges did the Phoenix Mercury face during the offseason?
The Mercury faced unique challenges due to a condensed offseason, requiring quick decision-making and strategic planning.
Related Articles
NFL·Feature
Out with the old, in with the new: Ravens unveil new uniforms
Baltimore Ravens unveil new uniforms, including a striking black helmet!
ESPN News··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Biggest haters funeral: Chris Paul pokes fun at Clippers after play-in tournament loss
Chris Paul shares meme mocking Clippers after their season-ending loss
ESPN News··1 min read
NBA·Feature
How 2019 Rockets helped Donovan Mitchell, Cavs prepare for NBA Playoffs
How the 2019 Rockets Shaped Donovan Mitchell's Playoff Readiness
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Transfer
So ill: Saluki standout Rolyns Aligbe joins Xavier
Xavier adds Rolyns Aligbe, a standout from Southern Illinois, to their roster.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Thoughts on a 9-6 Rangers win
In a wild game, the Rangers beat the Athletics 9-6 with a strong ninth inning.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
4-star WR Blake Wong lists Oregon in final five of recruitment
4-star WR Blake Wong lists Oregon among his top five schools for recruitment.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
1 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
1 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
2 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
3 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
4 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
5 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
6 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
7 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
8 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
9 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
10 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
11 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
12 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
13 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
14 / 14
Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
Sabally averaged 16.3 points for the Mercury during the regular season last year and elevated her play during Phoenix's postseason run to the WNBA Finals. She averaged a team-high 19 points through 10 postseason games before an untimely concussion ended her season early in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Sabally went on to sign with the New York Liberty in free agency.
"I don't think it's going to be a pound for pound sort of comparison or replacement... (for) X amount of points, rebounds, assists, etc," said U'Ren, who noted the team's continuity and depth will collectively make up for Sabally's absence from the lineup.
Unlike last season when the Mercury only had two returning players, Phoenix has nine returnees back for this season. The Mercury also has a strong international presence with the signings of French forwards Valériane Ayayi and Noémie Brochant, in addition to draft-and-stash prospects Ines Pitarch-Granel and Eszter Ratkai.
"Bringing back a majority of our core I think will be really helpful next year. We talk about continuity a lot and I'm hopeful that in year two we can build on what we did last year," U'Ren added. "I'm just excited to see what our group can do over the course of the year... We don't win championships in April and in the offseason we've got to build and put this thing together and I'm excited to see what can happen."
The Mercury are heading to training camp with more than 25 players on the roster, including undrafted players Yarden Garzon (Maryland), Kara Dunn (USC), Maggie Doogan (Richmond) and Shay Ciezki (Indiana), who were recently signed to training camp contracts. Everyone won't make the roster with only 12 spots and two developmental player spots up for grabs, but U'Ren said there's "some spots that can be earned in camp."
"We want to get our eyes on as many as we can and especially with some of our other players showing up late, I think it just made a lot of sense to get a lot of eyes on a lot of bodies," he said. "I think we are very proud of where we landed in terms of being conscientious of the new landscape in terms of the salary cap and the future, putting a premium on flexibility and depth."
U'Ren opened the press conference by applauding the league's new CBA that will yield record salaries across the board.
"I'm so happy for our players and our league," he said. "An incredibly exciting time and the players have deserved this for a long, long time and I'm so happy that they're getting what they deserve, so, so thrilled about that."
