Where will the Mercury go after disappointing 2026 season?

The Phoenix Mercury's descent from WNBA Finals runner-up in 2025 to an eliminated team in 2026 was best characterized by general manager Nick U'Ren at the team's exit day on Sept. 25.

"There were times where it felt like death by a thousand paper cuts," U'Ren said. "But at the same time, we can't let circumstances dictate our outcomes. We're not here to make excuses; we're here to be better."