Sami Whitcomb of the Phoenix Mercury has secured her desired position for the 2026 WNBA season, confirming her long-standing preference to play with the team.
Key points
Sami Whitcomb plays for the Phoenix Mercury.
She has expressed her desire to join the team for the 2026 season.
Whitcomb is a guard in the WNBA.
She previously played against teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces.
Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) reacts against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) reacts against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb never hid where she wanted to spend the 2026 WNBA season.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Las Vegas Aces during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“[Phoenix] was my first choice,” Whitcomb said. “I have no problem saying that. I told [the Mercury] that when I left. This is where I wanted to be.”
The WNBA’s CBA negotiations stretched deep into the offseason, creating unease across teams and front offices. At times, the delay raised concerns about whether the 2026 season would even begin on time — leaving players like Whitcomb to navigate an unpredictable few months.
After an offseason filled with uncertainty surrounding the CBA, Whitcomb is back in the Valley on a two-year deal — a move that brings continuity and stability to both the player and organization at a pivotal moment.
Q&A
Why did Sami Whitcomb choose the Phoenix Mercury for the 2026 season?
Sami Whitcomb chose the Phoenix Mercury because it was her first choice for where she wanted to play in the 2026 WNBA season.
What team did Sami Whitcomb play for before joining the Phoenix Mercury?
Before joining the Phoenix Mercury, Sami Whitcomb played for another WNBA team, although the specific team is not mentioned in the excerpt.
What position does Sami Whitcomb play in the WNBA?
Sami Whitcomb plays as a guard in the WNBA.
When did Sami Whitcomb confirm her plans for the 2026 WNBA season?
Sami Whitcomb confirmed her plans for the 2026 WNBA season recently, indicating her long-standing desire to play for the Phoenix Mercury.
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“You know, there were a lot of things that were going to be unpredictable about the offseason,” she said. “There were times where I wasn’t so sure that this would be where I’d land. I stayed in constant communication with them, and I really appreciated that.”
Even through that uncertainty, both parties maintained consistent communication, something she said made the difference.
“We were really honest and open,” she said. “… I’m just really, really grateful that it ended up working out.”
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The guard’s return is significant for the Mercury, a team that leaned heavily on her experience and shooting in 2025. In her first year in Phoenix, Whitcomb provided steady backcourt production from the bench that helped stabilize a roster in transition. Her perimeter shooting and playmaking often sparked the offense, while her composure proved valuable in close games — especially during the club’s deep playoff run.
In 2025, Whitcomb averaged 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Dallas Wings at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the Mercury, retaining a trusted contributor signals an intent to remain competitive while building cohesion. In a turbulent offseason, both sides got what they wanted, and that may matter as much as anything else once the season tips off.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
