Phoenix Mercury Signs Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner for 2026 Season

The Phoenix Mercury is bringing back key players Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner. Copper signed a two-year deal, aiming to boost the team's performance.
By Newsroom | Basketball, Sports |

Phoenix Mercury has re-signed prominent players Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner, aiming to solidify their roster and extend their competitive window. The team announced the signings on Sunday, with Copper agreeing to a two-year deal, according to sources.

Copper, a four-time All-Star, returns after a season where she averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 28 games. Her scoring prowess was evident, with 10 games of 30 or more points, tying her with Bonner for third-most in franchise history behind legends Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Copper also holds the franchise record for the fastest player to reach 1,000 points, achieving the milestone in just 51 games. During the Mercury's run to the WNBA Finals, Copper averaged 17.8 points per game.

Bonner, a two-time champion, returns despite a season that saw her appear in only nine games for the Indiana Fever, recording career lows in points and rebounds. Last season with the Mercury, prior to her move, Bonner contributed 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per contest.

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Broader Roster Moves Amidst Free Agency Frenzy

The Mercury's re-signings of Copper and Bonner signal a strategy of "doubling down on continuity and star power" amidst a dynamic WNBA free agency period. While other teams have been active, Phoenix is focusing on retaining established talent.

  • The team also officially announced the signing of Alyssa Thomas.

  • Several training camp deals have been extended, including to Ashten Prechtel, Aisha Sheppard, Kianna Williams, Lauren Jensen, Morgan Maly, and Kyara Linskens.

  • Quionche Carter has signed a rookie-scale contract.

  • Valeriane Ayayi has also joined the team on a new deal.

  • The Mercury acquired Morgan Bertsch via trade.

Training camp is set to commence on April 19, with the preseason opener scheduled for April 25. The regular season begins May 9 with a rematch of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces.

Historical Context and Team Identity

Kahleah Copper's acquisition was part of an offseason strategy last year to build an "instant championship contender." Her integration into the team has seen her evolve from a new addition to a "central figure in the team’s tactical schemes." The Phoenix Mercury, a franchise with three championships and two Finals MVP awards, appears committed to leveraging its experienced core.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Phoenix Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner?
The Phoenix Mercury re-signed Kahleah Copper to a two-year deal and DeWanna Bonner to keep their strong roster together. This helps the team compete in the upcoming WNBA season.
Q: What are the details of Kahleah Copper's new contract?
Kahleah Copper has agreed to a two-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury. She is a key player who scored an average of 15.6 points last season.
Q: When does the Phoenix Mercury's 2026 season start?
The Phoenix Mercury's 2026 regular season begins on May 9. They will play the Las Vegas Aces in a rematch of the WNBA Finals.
Q: What other players have joined or re-signed with the Mercury?
Besides Copper and Bonner, the Mercury also signed Alyssa Thomas and Valeriane Ayayi. Several other players have extended training camp deals, and Morgan Bertsch was acquired via trade.