From Russian detention to Team USA: Brittney Griner’s third Olympic selection marks return to international stage

PHOENIX – Brittney Griner’s journey over the past two years, marked by her Russian detainment and subsequent return to the WNBA, culminates in her third Olympic Games.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner speaks at a press conference after the announcement of her third Olympic Games selection. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Family, legacy and leadership: Nate Tibbetts makes mark in WNBA debut season with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Many criticized the Phoenix Mercury for hiring Nate Tibbetts, who had no prior experience coaching in the WNBA. However, the South Dakota native is building a “family atmosphere” thanks to inspiration from his family, coaches and players.

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts is 'proud' and 'thankful' to follow in his father's footsteps after spending most of his career in the NBA. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

WNBA’s soaring popularity fueling fashion frenzy ahead of All-Star weekend in Phoenix

PHOENIX – The WNBA's growing popularity has led to increased attention on players' fashion choices, both on and off the court, with designers and brands collaborating with athletes to showcase their personal styles.

Kahleah Copper, Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Cloud showcase their pregame styles before the Phoenix Mercury's matchup on June 18. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Mercury)

Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi reveals secret battle with eczema, teams up to raise awareness

PHOENIX – For the first time, Diana Taurasi is opening up about her battle with moderate-to-severe eczema. The Mercury guard discusses moments of vulnerability, treatments and partnering with a pharmaceutical company to raise awareness about the condition.

Severe exczema is a skin condition that is caused by an overactive immune system and can cause dry, itchy and red skin. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

From North Philly to Paris: Kahleah Copper’s road to 2024 Olympics a journey of tears, setbacks and success

PHOENIX – Mercury guard Kahleah Copper was selected to the Olympic roster for the first time. The trials she endured leading up to receiving the call makes her appreciate this achievement much more.

Averaging 24 points for the Phoenix Mercury, Kahleah Copper’s outstanding season performance underscores her readiness for the 2024 Olympics. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

‘I feel free’: Natasha Cloud embraces fresh start, purpose with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Natasha Cloud was born in Philadelphia and spent her entire WNBA career with the Washington Mystics. Now, one of the league's best passers has found a home on the West Coast. But accepting that she’d be leaving D.C. wasn’t easy.

Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud settles in Phoenix after spending her first eight WNBA seasons with the Washington Mystics. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

‘A long time coming’: Phoenix Mercury players rally behind ‘Unrivaled’ league as game-changer for women’s basketball

PHOENIX – With the launch of the "Unrivaled" league on the horizon, Mercury players like Morgan Bertsch and Sug Sutton see a chance to stay stateside, build careers and shape the future of women's basketball.

Unrivaled, a new women’s basketball league created by WNBA All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, offers an alternative to traveling overseas and addresses the wage gap in women’s basketball. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Despite first home loss, Phoenix Mercury remain confident as they embark on road trip

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury suffered their first home loss of the season to the Dallas Wings, but they move forward expectantly and encouraged entering their first extended road trip of the season.

Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper sinks a 3-pointer Saturday against Dallas, contributing to her 32-point performancethat helped her surpass 3,000 career points. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Mercury rolling to start 2024 WNBA season in Brittney Griner’s absence

PHOENIX – Despite Brittney Griner’s absence, the Phoenix Mercury are surprising fans with their performance behind Kahleah Copper’s prolific scoring for the team.

Kahleah Copper is averaging 31.3 points per game for the Phoenix Mercury and is a key to their strong 2-1 start. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

From college stardom to WNBA uncertainty: Rookies fight steep odds to realize dream with help of former coaches

PHOENIX – Making a WNBA roster is one of the hardest achievements in professional sports. Due to the quick turnaround time and the lack of available roster spots, few rookies make the cut.

Charisma Osborne's dream of playing in the WNBA took a step forward by getting drafted, but now the real test begins as she vies for one of Phoenix's final roster spots. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

WNBA evaluating how superstar Cailtlin Clark, women’s sports popularity can help secure lucrative media rights deal

PHOENIX – With the WNBA’s media rights deal set to expire after the 2025 season, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert believes this year will be crucial to helping the WNBA earn its proper value in negotiations.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is aiming to at least double the league's $60 million annual media rights deal when it expires after the 2025 season. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

UCLA’s Charisma Osborne embraces underdog role after dropping to Mercury in third round of 2024 WNBA Draft

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury did not have a first- or second-round pick, but in the third round Monday they selected UCLA guard Charisma Osborne, who is a player with a ton of upside despite being drafted later than expected.

Charisma Osborne, right, poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 25th overall by the Phoenix Mercury during the 2024 WNBA Draft Monday night at Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)