After a thrilling run to the 2025 WNBA Finals, the Phoenix Mercury face a pivotal question heading into the 2026 season: Can they remain contenders after losing star forward Satou Sabally in free agency?

Sabally, who averaged 16.3 points per game in the regular season and stepped up to 19 PPG in the playoffs, signed with the New York Liberty after just one season in Phoenix. Her departure has sparked debate about whether the Mercury are entering “rebuild mode” or simply shifting to a deeper, more balanced roster under head coach Nate Tibbetts.

The good news? Phoenix isn’t panicking. The organization retained its veteran core, emphasizing continuity and by-committee production to replace Sabally’s scoring and versatility.

Retained Core Keeps Mercury Competitive

The Mercury quickly re-signed key pieces from their 2025 Finals team:

• Alyssa Thomas — The perennial MVP candidate and “The Engine” returns after a historic first season in Phoenix, bringing elite playmaking, defense, and triple-double threat.
• Kahleah Copper — The four-time All-Star and former Finals MVP signed a two-year deal and enters 2026 fully healthy, ready to lead the offense.
• DeWanna Bonner — The six-time All-Star and two-time champion returns for her 12th season with the Mercury, providing veteran leadership and clutch scoring.
• Sami Whitcomb — The sharpshooter re-signed to stretch the floor with elite three-point shooting.
• Additional returners include starting point guard Monique Akoa Makani, center Natasha Mack, and forward Kathryn Westbeld (on a training camp contract).

GM Nick U’Ren made it clear: there won’t be a direct “pound-for-pound” replacement for Sabally. Instead, the team will rely on collective depth, defensive intensity, and the experience of a group that already proved it can compete at the highest level.

Training camp opened on April 19, 2026, with an air of excitement. Coach Tibbetts described last season as his “most fun coaching ever” and emphasized building on that momentum rather than dwelling on the loss.

What Makes Phoenix Still Dangerous in 2026?

• Veteran Leadership & Chemistry — With Bonner, Thomas, and Copper leading the way, the Mercury have one of the most experienced and battle-tested cores in the league.
• Depth Over Star Power — International additions and draft talent are expected to fill gaps, creating a versatile roster that can adapt game-to-game.
• Defensive Identity — Thomas and the returning group bring elite defense, which was a hallmark of their 2025 playoff run.
• Motivation Factor — Coming off a Finals appearance (even in a loss), the Mercury are hungry to prove they can get over the hump without Sabally.

While some analysts wonder if losing a young All-Star signals a step back, the Mercury’s front office and players project confidence. The new CBA era has created roster volatility league-wide, but Phoenix avoided major turnover — a rare feat.

2026 Outlook

The regular season tips off in early May 2026, with the Mercury opening on the road against the Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries. Preseason includes a historic game in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Phoenix enters training camp focused on chemistry and execution. If the by-committee approach works, the Mercury could remain a dangerous playoff threat and push for another deep postseason run in 2026.

The Valley isn’t rebuilding — it’s reloading.

FAQ Section

Did Satou Sabally leave the Phoenix Mercury for 2026? Yes. Satou Sabally departed after one season with the Mercury and signed with the New York Liberty in 2026 free agency.

How are the Phoenix Mercury replacing Satou Sabally in 2026? The team is using a “by-committee” approach, relying on returning stars Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, and increased contributions from depth players rather than signing one direct replacement.

Who are the key returning players for Phoenix Mercury in 2026? Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb, Monique Akoa Makani, and Natasha Mack are among the major returners from the 2025 Finals roster.

Is the Phoenix Mercury in rebuild mode for 2026? No. While losing Sabally is significant, the Mercury retained most of their core and are focused on continuity and competing for another playoff run rather than rebuilding.

When does Phoenix Mercury 2026 training camp start? Training camp officially opened on April 19, 2026, at the Mountain America Performance Center.

Who is the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2026? Nate Tibbetts returns for his third season as head coach, with Kristi Toliver as associate head coach.

When does the 2026 WNBA regular season start for the Mercury? The Mercury open the 2026 regular season on the road in early May, with games against the Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries.

Can the Phoenix Mercury still make the WNBA Finals without Satou Sabally? Many believe yes. With a healthy and motivated veteran core led by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, Phoenix remains a competitive threat in the Western Conference.

Final Thoughts The Phoenix Mercury proved in 2025 they can reach the Finals. Losing Satou Sabally hurts, but the returning core and commitment to depth keep this team very much in the conversation. The 2026 season will test their resilience — and the Valley is ready to fly again.