The Phoenix Mercury are among the most decorated teams in the WNBA. The franchise was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Phoenix; they play in the Western Conference and host their games at the PHX Arena.
Here’s all you need to know about the Mercury, including their owner, team history, and franchise valuation.
Who Owns the Phoenix Mercury?
The Mercury is owned by Mat Ishbia, who acquired the team from Robert Sarver in February 2023. Ishbia is the chairman and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage and has an estimated net worth of $7.4 billion, per Forbes.
Nate Tibbetts was hired as the Mercury’s head coach on Oct. 18, 2023. Nick U’Ren is the current general manager of the franchise.
Phoenix Mercury: Estimated Valuation
The Mercury is valued at $105 million as of June 2024. They are the fourth-most valuable franchise, trailing only the Las Vegas Aces ($140 million), the Seattle Storm ($135 million), and the New York Liberty ($130 million). The franchise aims to reach the top in the coming years.
Phoenix Mercury History
The Mercury were one of the WNBA’s original eight teams, playing their first season in 1997. They reached the WNBA’s semifinals in the first season, where they lost to the Liberty. Next season, they made it to the WNBA Finals but fell to the Houston Comets.
That was followed by a disappointing spell for the Mercury, as they made only one playoff appearance in the following eight seasons. However, they bounced back in style and clinched their first WNBA championship in 2007.
After missing out on a playoff berth in the next season, the Mercury won another WNBA championship in 2009. They made two back-to-back runs to the conference finals following the second title but failed to advance in either. They received the same fate in the 2013 WNBA season as well.
Phoenix won its third and last title to date in 2014. Since then, they have qualified for the playoffs in every season except 2023, including a WNBA Finals appearance in 2021.
Important Players in Phoenix Mercury History
The Mercury have been home to one of the greatest players in WNBA history alongside some other legendary names.
- Diana Taurasi: Taurasi spent her entire career with the Mercury, playing from 2004 to 2024. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft. She is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and a three-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, and 11-time WNBA All-Star.
From a rookie sensation to a WNBA icon, Diana’s journey is one of greatness, longevity, and impact.
✅ 20 seasons, 1 franchise
✅ All-time leading scorer
✅ 3× WNBA champion
✅ 6× Olympic gold medalistThe records, the moments, the legacy… this is the story of Diana Taurasi… pic.twitter.com/UTSJXjpSS4
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 28, 2025
- Â Brittney Griner: Griner was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft. She played a key role in Phoenix’s 2014 WNBA championship win. She is a 10-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. She stayed with the franchise until 2024.
- Cappie Pondexter: Pondexter was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft. She played for the Mercury until 2009 and helped the franchise to two WNBA championships. She was named the WNBA Finals MVP in 2007.
Every Phoenix Mercury Head Coach in History
The Mercury have had 12 coaches on the sidelines in their history, of which three have led them to the WNBA championship. Below is the list of every Mercury head coach from 1997 to 2025:
- Cheryl Miller (1997–2000)
- Cynthia Cooper-Dyke (2001–2002)
- Linda Sharp (2002)
- John Shumate (2003)
- Carrie Graf (2004–2005)
- Paul Westhead (2006–2007)
- Corey Gaines (2008–2013)
- Russ Pennell (2013)
- Sandy Brondello (2014–2021)
- Vanessa Nygaard (2022–2023)
- Nikki Blue (2023–2024)
- Nate Tibbetts (2024–Present)
