PHOENIX — For the first time since 2002, the Phoenix Mercury will head into the WNBA All-Star break without a player selected to the game.
Jun 3, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles against the Seattle Storm during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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Neither Kahleah Copper nor Alyssa Thomas was named among the All-Star reserves. If neither is selected as an injury replacement, the Mercury will be without an All-Star despite relying on the two veterans as the team’s leaders on and off the floor.
Before the club’s matchup against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night, head coach Nate Tibbetts expressed his disappointment.
“I think that’s a question that you can ask them,” Tibbetts said. “From coach to player and us just having a real relationship, I’ve just told them that I’m disappointed for them because when I look at them, I see them as two of the top 10, 15 players in the world. For them not to be recognized in that way is disappointing.”
An All-Star selection remains one of the league’s highest individual honors. Beyond recognizing a player’s performance, it brings national exposure to both the player and the franchise while serving as validation from coaches and peers around the WNBA.
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What often goes unnoticed, however, is the impact players make beyond the highlights. Leadership, consistency and the ability to elevate teammates don’t always translate into an All-Star selection.
Jun 3, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles against Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) during the fourth quarter at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Copper, the Mercury’s leading scorer, and Thomas, one of the league’s most versatile playmakers, have anchored Phoenix’s offense this season. While the team’s record hasn’t matched its expectations, both have consistently been among the club’s most impactful players.
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Copper ranks sixth in the WNBA with 20.6 points per game and is third in the league with 411 total points. Thomas leads the league with 160 assists and averages a WNBA-best 8.4 assists per game.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) reacts to being called for a foul with her teammate Alyssa Thomas (25) as they play the Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on June 17, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
All-Star voting doesn’t always mirror on-court value, but the snubs reflect just how competitive the WNBA has become and how recognition is viewed differently than it once was. The Mercury still have plenty to play for in the second half of the season, and All-Star recognition won’t change the roles Copper and Thomas play in the club’s playoff pursuit.
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But their omission is a reminder of the WNBA’s growing depth and how earning a place among the game’s best has become harder than ever.
