Can the Phoenix Mercury’s new big three—Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Alyssa Thomas—finally end the franchise’s long championship drought? How will the team handle the loss of 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner? And who’s going to step up in the backcourt now that Diana Taurasi has retired?
Those questions will start to get answers as Phoenix kicks off the 2025 season with a rebuilt roster.
The 2025 Phoenix Mercury Roster
The Mercury added All-Star forwards Sabally and Thomas this offseason to team up with 2024 MVP candidate Copper and strengthen their frontcourt. But there are still concerns—especially with guard depth and overall lineup balance.
To help fill holes, the team has signed several players on rookie-scale and training camp deals over the last few weeks. That’s a short-term fix, but not a long-term solution.
One major challenge: Phoenix didn’t have a pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
“We are going to figure it out on the fly,” head coach Nate Tibbetts told reporters at Mercury media day on April 30. The former NBA assistant said he embraces the idea of “positionless” basketball—something that could define this year’s roster.
Kalani Brown is the only experienced center on the squad, and both Thomas and Copper are expected to shift across multiple roles rather than stay in traditional positions.
Mercury Depth Chart
| G | Sevgi Uzun | Celeste Taylor | Megan McConnell | Shyla Heal | Lexi Held |
| G | Sami Whitcomb | Monique Akoa Makani | Helena Pueyo | Anna Makurat | |
| F | Kahleah Copper | Alexis Prince | Kitija Laksa | ||
| F | Satou Sabally | Natasha Mack | Temira Poindexter | Kathryn Westbeld | |
| C | Alyssa Thomas | Kalani Brown | Murjanatu Musa |
Mercury Projected Starting Lineup
It’s tough to pin down the Mercury’s exact starting lineup, especially with so many players able to play multiple spots. Still, one thing is clear—Copper, Sabally, and Thomas will be on the floor to start games.
Read More: Phoenix Mercury 2025 WNBA Schedule
They’ll likely be joined by guards Sami Whitcomb and Sevgi Uzun. But if head coach Nate Tibbetts wants more size, 6-foot-7 center Kalani Brown could slide into the starting five.
Look out for Charli Collier and Akoa Makani, too. Both are strong role players and could earn starting minutes as the season goes on.
Mercury Key Player
Copper was the Mercury’s top performer in 2024, putting together a breakout season. The Philly native came out hot, scoring 30 or more points in three of her first five games—including a wild 38-point night against the Atlanta Dream on May 18.
She finished third in the league in scoring at 21.1 points per game, trailing only Arike Ogunbowale and A’ja Wilson.
Copper was an early MVP favorite but ended up eighth in the final voting. Still, her impact was undeniable.
Already a WNBA champion with the Chicago Sky in 2021, Copper is chasing another title—this time in Phoenix. If she can lead the way, she could finally help the Mercury snap their 11-year championship drought.
