The Phoenix Mercury's preseason includes two significant games: one in South Dakota and another against the Japanese national team. This will help the team assess their reshaped roster under head coach Nate Tibbetts.
Key points
Phoenix Mercury's preseason includes two games
One game is in South Dakota
Another game is against the Japanese national team
PHOENIX â The Phoenix Mercuryâs preseason will be about more than just shaking off rust â itâll also be about excitement and discovery.
Mercury players DeWanna Bonner and Kiana Williams both emphasized the value of Phoenixâs two upcoming preseason games â one in South Dakota and another against the Japanese national team â as opportunities to put themselves to the test with a reshaped roster.
The Mercury will first travel to South Dakota, a meaningful stop for head coach Nate Tibbetts, who has strong ties to the area. Assistant coach Megan Vogel also has connections to the state, adding another personal element to the friendly competition. It will be the first time a WNBA game has been played in South Dakota.
Q&A
What are the dates and locations of the Phoenix Mercury's preseason games?
The Phoenix Mercury will play one preseason game in South Dakota and another against the Japanese national team, though specific dates are not mentioned.
Who is leading the Phoenix Mercury during the 2026 preseason?
Head coach Nate Tibbetts is leading the Phoenix Mercury during the 2026 preseason.
Which players are highlighted for their roles in the Mercury's preseason?
Players DeWanna Bonner and Kiana Williams emphasized the importance of the upcoming preseason games for the team.
What is the significance of the Mercury's preseason games?
The preseason games are crucial for the Mercury to test their reshaped roster and build team chemistry.
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âItâs awesome,â said Williams. âIâve never been to South Dakota, probably never would have gone if it wasnât for the game on Saturday. Nateâs all excited, and I know itâs going to be a great crowd.â
âItâs like new beginnings, something new that weâve never seen before,â Bonner said, describing how she feels about the trip.
Beyond the excitement of the games, there is also a level of businesslike demeanor, as these matchups could help set an early tone for Phoenix as it looks to open the regular season on the right foot. Bonner stressed the importance of facing unfamiliar competition for that reason and continuing to build on what the team has established.
âChange the scenery and get out there and play against some different competition to see kind of where we measure up,â she said. âNot really looking to go out and have our best performance. We just need a measuring stick and see how we can keep building day by day.â
That theme continues when the Mercury return home to face the Japanese national team, an international test that could challenge the clubâs pace, discipline and adaptability. These games provide an early glimpse of how the team is coming together under Tibbetts.
While they wonât tell the entire story of the season, the performances will be important as roster decisions are finalized before the regular season. For Williams, itâs about being ready when those games arrive â not waiting for the pace to come to them.
âItâs go time,â Williams said. âItâs coming at you fast and weâre ready. Weâre locked in.â
