Phoenix Mercury: Five things you need to know

• Three WNBA Championships in seven years (2007, 2009, 2014)
• Record-breaking 29-win season in 2014
• Home to WNBA legends Michele Timms, Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, and Brittney Griner‍
• Latest News: Read more about Aussies in the WNBA

Australian influence is woven into the Phoenix Mercury’s identity, from pioneers to champions. Michele Timms helped launch the franchise in 1997, while Penny Taylor became a cornerstone of three title runs alongside Diana Taurasi. Across eras, Australians have provided playmaking, shooting and versatility, with players like Kristi Harrower, Belinda Snell, Rebecca Allen and Sami Whitcomb continuing the connection.

The Mercury have consistently trusted Australian talent to fill key roles within their system and culture.

Phoenix Mercury

League: WNBA (Western Conference)
Founded: 1997
Home Arena: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Ownership: Mat Ishbia
General Manager: Nick U’Ren
Head Coach: Nate Tibbetts

Snapshot

• 3× WNBA Champions (2007, 2009, 2014)
• 4× Conference Champions
• One of the WNBA’s original franchises
• One of the league’s most influential offensive teams

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Identity: Offence That Changed the Game

The Phoenix Mercury didn’t just win — they redefined how the WNBA is played.

Built around pace, spacing and scoring, Phoenix’s “run-and-gun” system under Paul Westhead pushed the league into a more offensive era.

Key traits:

• High-possession basketball
• Three-point volume before it was standard
• Star-driven offence

They didn’t follow trends. They created them.

Sandy Brondello: Championship Architect 🇦🇺

Australian Opals head coach Sandy Brondello played a defining role in one of the greatest eras in Phoenix Mercury history.

Appointed head coach in 2014, Brondello immediately delivered a championship, guiding the Mercury to a record 29–5 season and a dominant Finals sweep. Her system blended pace, spacing and elite shot creation — maximising the talents of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.

Across eight seasons (2014–2021), Brondello:

• Won WNBA Coach of the Year (2014)
• Led Phoenix to multiple playoff runs and a 2021 Finals appearance
• Established one of the league’s most efficient offensive systems

Beyond results, Brondello’s impact was structural. She helped evolve the Mercury’s identity from high-tempo scoring to balanced, adaptable offence, while maintaining their attacking DNA.

Her tenure cemented Phoenix as a modern powerhouse — and reinforced Australia’s influence on one of the WNBA’s most iconic franchises.

Brondello is now the head coach of the expansion franchise Toronto Tempo.

The Taurasi Era: Dynasty Engine

Everything runs through Diana Taurasi.

• WNBA all-time leading scorer
• Multiple MVPs and Finals MVPs
• Franchise cornerstone from 2004–2024

With Taurasi leading, Phoenix:

• Won three championships in seven years
• Set scoring records
• Became must-watch basketball globally

Alongside her:

• Penny Taylor — elite two-way forward
• Brittney Griner — interior dominance
• Cappie Pondexter — scoring guard

This wasn’t just a team.

It was a dynasty.

The Modern Era: Post-Taurasi Reset

The Mercury have entered a new phase.

With Taurasi retired and Griner departed, Phoenix has pivoted to a new core built on versatility and playmaking:

Alyssa Thomas (F)

• Elite all-around production
• One of the league’s best facilitators

Satou Sabally (F)

• Dynamic scorer with positional flexibility

Kahleah Copper (G/F)

• Primary scoring option

This is no longer a single-star system.

It’s a multi-creator offence.

Australians Who Have Played for the Phoenix Mercury 🇦🇺

The Mercury have one of the deepest Australian pipelines in WNBA history:

Michele Timms

• WNBA pioneer (1997 inaugural season)
• Franchise top-5 in assists and steals

Kristi Harrower

• Led Mercury to 1998 Finals

Michelle Brogan

• Frontcourt contributor (1998)

Penny Taylor

• 3× WNBA Champion
• One of the franchise’s greatest players

Belinda Snell

• Perimeter shooting presence

Cayla George

• Frontcourt depth and versatility

Tess Madgen

• Wing contributor

Stephanie Talbot

• Defensive versatility

Alanna Smith

• Modern stretch forward

Rebecca Allen

• Elite shooter and wing defender

Amy Atwell

• Guard depth and shooting

Sami Whitcomb

• WNBL25 MVP
• Veteran shooting guard

Australia isn’t just part of Phoenix history. It’s embedded in it.

By the Numbers

• All-time Record: 458–456
• Playoff Appearances: 18
• WNBA Finals: 5 appearances
• Championships: 3

Club Philosophy

Phoenix has evolved through two clear eras:

Dynasty Era:

• Star-led offence
• Elite shot-making
• High-tempo execution

Modern Era:

• Versatility across positions
• Playmaking forwards
• Balanced scoring

The DNA remains the same: Score first. Pressure defences. Dictate tempo.

Legacy: One of the WNBA’s Defining Franchises

The Mercury didn’t just win titles.

They:

• Changed offensive philosophy
• Elevated star power in the league
• Built one of the most recognisable identities in women’s basketball

Their 2007–2014 run is one of the greatest eras in WNBA history.

Outlook: New Core, Same Expectation

Phoenix is rebuilding — but not resetting expectations.

With:

• Elite multi-positional talent
• A modern offensive structure
• Proven front office direction

The Mercury remain: A franchise that expects to contend — not rebuild slowly.

Five Things You Need To Know

1. One of the WNBA’s original powerhouses: Founded in 1997 with sustained success across eras.

2. Diana Taurasi defined the franchise: Diana Taurasi is the greatest player in team history.

3. Offensive pioneers: Phoenix helped reshape how the WNBA plays — pace and spacing first.

4. Deep Australian legacy: From Michele Timms to Rebecca Allen, Aussies are embedded in the club.

5. Entering a new era: Thomas–Sabally–Copper form the next competitive core.

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