Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas is finalizing a deal to stay in Phoenix, first reported by Andscape’s Sean Hurd.
Thomas led the Mercury to the 2025 WNBA Finals as the point-forward, while finishing third in MVP voting. The 33-year-old nearly averaged a triple-double, with 15.4 points, a league-high 9.2 assists and 8.8 rebounds per game.
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Thomas’ 357 assists in 2025 surpassed Caitlin Clark’s league-wide single-season assist record (337) set in 2024. She also set a franchise single-season rebounding record (340).
The Mercury created a Big 3 surrounding guard Kahleah Copper when it acquired Thomas and forward Satou Sabally in a four-team trade in February 2025.
Thomas has winning experience, but has never won a WNBA title. In her first 11 years in Connecticut, she led the Sun to eight consecutive playoff appearances and two WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022.
Thomas is the first of the Big 3 to return to the Mercury. Sabally is exploring other options and will likely not return.
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The Mercury extended qualifying offers to reserved free agents point guard Monique Akoa Makani, forward Natasha Mack, forward Kathryn Westbeld and forward Kiana Williams on April 7.
Free agents will be able to officially sign on Saturday, April 11. Training camp is set to begin on April 19.
Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury star expected to return for 2026 season
