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2026 WNBA season review: It was a forgettable year for the Phoenix Mercury, and now they face complicated decisions about their future

For many Phoenix Mercury fans, the less said about the 2026 WNBA season, the better. Entering the season, the team, already, was probably facing too-high expectations, as replicating their unexpected run to the 2025 WNBA Finals would be difficult. But…

By Cat Ariail · Swish Appeal

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 8:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Cat Ariail writes that the Phoenix Mercury missed the 2026 playoffs and face complicated decisions regarding their future.
Phoenix regressed after losing Satou Sabally, ranking 12th in offensive rating and 11th in defensive rating in 2026.
The Mercury acquired Kelsey Plum midseason by trading away Monique Akoa Makani and a 2027 first-round draft pick.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Cat Ariail reviews the Phoenix Mercury's disappointing 2026 WNBA campaign, noting that the team failed to reach the playoffs just one year after reaching the 2025 WNBA Finals. After losing Satou Sabally in free agency, Phoenix struggled on both ends of the floor, finishing 12th in offense and 11th in defense while attempting to build around Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.

The writer argues that Phoenix faces complicated roster choices for 2027 after acquiring Kelsey Plum midseason for Monique Akoa Makani and a 2027 first-round pick. Ariail outlines dilemmas regarding whether to commit significant cap space to re-sign Plum alongside Thomas and Copper or instead pivot toward a rebuild.

Read the full article on Swish Appeal