Why Smart Brands Are Betting Big On Women’s Sports
Why Brands Are Betting Big on Women's Sports Growth
The Phoenix Mercury traded for Chloe Bibby, enhancing their frontcourt depth ahead of the WNBA season. In return, they sent the draft rights to Julia Ayrault to the Portland Fire.

Why Mercury traded for Chloe Bibby and what it cost in return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Phoenix Mercury aren't resting on their laurels.
On Wednesday, they swung a trade to acquire Chloe Bibby, adding some intriguing frontcourt depth as the WNBA regular season approaches.
The Mercury announced the trade, which will send the draft rights to Julia Ayrault to the Portland Fire.
Portland likely didn't see room for Bibby on its roster, but Bibby fits what the Mercury are trying to do.
The Mercury traded for Bibby because she adds a skillset to their frontcourt that they were looking for.
"There's been a clear initiative on taking next steps with both the spacing process, as well as personnel within it all for the Mercury," wrote Stephen PridGeon-Garner on X.
Bibby helps with spacing. She shot 40.5% from 3-point range in the 2025 season, her first in the WNBA, which she split between the Golden State Valkyries and .
The Phoenix Mercury traded the draft rights to Julia Ayrault to the Portland Fire in exchange for Chloe Bibby.
Chloe Bibby's addition provides the Mercury with intriguing frontcourt depth as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA regular season.
The trade signifies the Mercury's proactive approach to strengthen their team, potentially improving their competitiveness in the WNBA season.
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She likely isn't a big minutes player, but Bibby can come off the bench and knock down shots, which is particularly valuable when it comes from a 6-foot-2 forward.
No, she's not related to the former NBA point guard.
Chloe is originally from Horsham, Australia, and she played college ball at Mississippi State and then Maryland.
She went to Portland this offseason as the 11th pick in the expansion draft, but the Fire decided not to keep her and instead trade her to Phoenix.