Harassment, racism claims overshadow growth of WNBA, including Portland expansion

PHOENIX – After a record-breaking season for viewership and audience attendance, the WNBA announced its 15th franchise will be in Portland. Recent reports of player harassment overshadowed the news.

Crowd cheering in a sports bar decorated with sports memorabilia and international flags, watching a televised game.

Phoenix Mercury stars Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper speak out on WNBA’s handling of discrimination

PHOENIX – Mercury stars Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper made their voices heard on the spark in racial and sexual discrimination in the WNBA following a threatening email sent to Connecticut Sun wing DiJonai Carrington.


Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs

PHOENIX – With the 2024 WNBA Playoffs about to start, the Phoenix Mercury have signed guard Sophie Cunningham for another year, but will the postseason also be a retirement party for the legendary Diana Taurasi?

Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham seated at a press conference table with microphones, in front of a backdrop featuring repeated logos and the word "Footprint."

‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title

PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner are the only threads connecting the Mercury to their last WNBA championship team. During a ceremony to celebrate that 2014 title, Taurasi told fans, “Let’s do it again.”

A group of five Phoenix Mercury members seated on stage chairs under focused lighting, with two covering their faces, one smiling, and a child holding a stuffed animal.

‘Forever family’: 2014 Phoenix Mercury championship team reunites to celebrate 10th anniversary

PHOENIX – Past and present Phoenix Mercury players reunited Friday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the team's 2014 championship. That Phoenix squad, which included current Mercury stars Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, swept the Chicago Sky for the franchise’s third title.


Three contracts, one dream: Celeste Taylor takes peripatetic journey to Phoenix Mercury roster

PHOENIX — Twenty-one days doesn’t seem like a long time, but it was all the time Celeste Taylor needed for the Phoenix Mercury to take a chance on her. After signing for the rest of the season, Taylor’s goal is to continue making an everlasting impact.

Celeste Taylor shoots the ball, facing an opponent in red uniform during a game, with spectators in the background.

Mercury player joins chorus of voices criticizing WNBA commissioner for comments on Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry

PHOENIX – WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is under fire for comments on Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese and how players feel on social media.

Angel Reese (left) stands with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right); one in a silver gown with a hood, and the other in a red dress holding a black sports jersey with "CHA" and the number 1

Year of change: From last place to playoff berth, Phoenix Mercury return to winning ways

PHOENIX – After a tumultuous 2023 season, the Mercury have clinched a playoff berth for the 11th time in 12 years, thanks to an offseason roster overhaul, a new coach and veteran leadership.

Diana Taurasi in black and orange athletic attire preparing to shoot a basketball on an indoor court, with a blurred backdrop of basketball hoops and spectators.

Risk and reward: Sportsbooks cash in on rise of women’s sports betting, but at what cost?

PHOENIX – Sportsbooks are reporting an increase in betting on women’s basketball, but experts warn of potential increases in addiction.

A basketball court's glossy wooden floor with a bold "Bally BET" advertisement in white on a purple background, including a glimpse of courtside equipment and people.

Minimum salaries, max effort: The unseen financial hardships of Phoenix Mercury and WNBA players

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury players Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Liz Dixon and Natasha Mack shed light on the hardships of living on a WNBA minimum salary while financial expert Marcus Johnson provides insight on the contract’s value in Phoenix.

Former Phoenix Mercury guard Sug Sutton, known for her energy off the bench, uses her contract as motivation to improve and excel. (File photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Emotional Mercury center Brittney Griner calls U.S.-Russia prisoner swap a ‘huge win’

PARIS - In a historic U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, 24 people, including Paul Whelan, were released. Brittney Griner, celebrating from Paris, calls it a “huge win” following her own release and Team USA’s victory in Lille.

Phoenix Mercury expressed gratitude for Thursday's prisoner exchange that brought home marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Special for Cronkite News)

Taurasi, Griner, Copper: Mercury trio determined to help Team USA women’s basketball win gold

PARIS - The Team USA women’s basketball team is eyeing its eighth straight gold medal. The Phoenix Mercury’s big three of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Kahleah Cooper will be leading the charge.

Brittney Griner said, "I just appreciate everything more now" since her return to the U.S. after her imprisonment in Russia. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Special for Cronkite News)