The Phoenix Mercury selected two international players in the 2026 WNBA Draft, choosing Ines Pitarch-Granel from France at No. 27 and Eszter Ratkai from Hungary at No. 42. This marks the team's first draft picks in two years.
Mercury select international players in 2026 WNBA Draft
For the first time in two years, the Phoenix Mercury had picks in the WNBA Draft, and the team decided to go after international players.
The Mercury used their first selection on France's Ines Pitarch-Granel at No. 27 overall, followed by Hungary's Eszter Ratkai at No. 42 overall on April 13.
Pitarch-Granel spent the last two seasons with Tango Bourges Basket in her native France, averaging 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 24 games this season.
General manager Nick U'Ren addressed open roster spots in 2025 by finding players with extensive international experience over WNBA veterans, and continues to do so in 2026.
With most of the league's veterans as free agents and a new collective bargaining agreement, the Mercury had to navigate a new landscape.
But the team didn't make any big swings during the opening days of free agency and instead re-signed Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Star forward Satou Sabally leaves a big gap after heading to the New York Liberty in free agency.
The Mercury have yet to lock down starting point guard Monique Akoa Makani, forward Natasha Mack and forward Kathryn Westbeld after sending qualifying offers on April 7.
The roster will continue to take shape before training camp begins on April 19.
Who did the Phoenix Mercury select in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The Phoenix Mercury selected Ines Pitarch-Granel from France at No. 27 and Eszter Ratkai from Hungary at No. 42.
What were Ines Pitarch-Granel's stats in her last season with Tango Bourges Basket?
Ines Pitarch-Granel averaged 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 24 games during her last season with Tango Bourges Basket.
Why did the Mercury focus on international players in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The Mercury aimed to enhance their roster by selecting international talent, marking their first draft picks in two years.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Recap
Angels' Mike Trout hits another HR to join Aaron Judge in rare Yankee Stadium history
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Feature
Tigers projected to take a gamble on the upside of a 6'3" prep bat
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.