PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb never hid where she wanted to spend the 2026 WNBA season.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Las Vegas Aces during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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“[Phoenix] was my first choice,” Whitcomb said. “I have no problem saying that. I told [the Mercury] that when I left. This is where I wanted to be.”
The WNBA’s CBA negotiations stretched deep into the offseason, creating unease across teams and front offices. At times, the delay raised concerns about whether the 2026 season would even begin on time — leaving players like Whitcomb to navigate an unpredictable few months.
After an offseason filled with uncertainty surrounding the CBA, Whitcomb is back in the Valley on a two-year deal — a move that brings continuity and stability to both the player and organization at a pivotal moment.
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However, the guard revealed that there were other options available to her, although she didn’t name what those options were.
Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) watches her 3-point shot during their WNBA semifinal playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“You know, there were a lot of things that were going to be unpredictable about the offseason,” she said. “There were times where I wasn’t so sure that this would be where I’d land. I stayed in constant communication with them, and I really appreciated that.”
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Even through that uncertainty, both parties maintained consistent communication, something she said made the difference.
“We were really honest and open,” she said. “… I’m just really, really grateful that it ended up working out.”
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The guard’s return is significant for the Mercury, a team that leaned heavily on her experience and shooting in 2025. In her first year in Phoenix, Whitcomb provided steady backcourt production from the bench that helped stabilize a roster in transition. Her perimeter shooting and playmaking often sparked the offense, while her composure proved valuable in close games — especially during the club’s deep playoff run.
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In 2025, Whitcomb averaged 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Dallas Wings at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Beyond the stats, her familiarity with the system and culture gives Phoenix continuity at a time when many teams have completely reshaped their rosters. Whitcomb joins Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld as returning faces.
For the Mercury, retaining a trusted contributor signals an intent to remain competitive while building cohesion. In a turbulent offseason, both sides got what they wanted, and that may matter as much as anything else once the season tips off.
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