By J. Rosalye Luna
PHOENIX — The WNBA season is underway as the Phoenix Mercury spoiled the Las Vegas Aces WNBA Finals ring ceremony with a dominant 99-66 victory as the league celebrates its 30th season in 2026.
Phoenix opened the season in a WNBA Finals rematch against the reigning champion Aces after falling short in the 2025 WNBA Finals in a four-game sweep.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said after the game that the team was “waiting to get back and get going” following last season’s Finals loss to Las Vegas, adding that the Mercury “came to play” on Saturday.
Alyssa Thomas set the tone early, coming out aggressive from the opening tip and maintaining the intensity throughout the first half against the defending champions. Tibbetts’ group appeared prepared for every challenge, limiting fouls and preventing many fast-break opportunities for Becky Hammon’s squad. Phoenix displayed a balanced effort on both ends of the floor, giving fans an early glimpse of the team’s potential for the 2026 season.
“Getting ready and comfortable” was a key factor for the team, Thomas said following the Mercury’s victory over the Aces.
Undrafted rookie Jovana Nogic made history for Phoenix by scoring 19 points in the first half — the most points scored in a first half WNBA debut in league history. It marked the second-most points scored in any half during a WNBA debut, trailing only Candace Parker’s 21-point second half in 2008.
Phoenix also made franchise history with its 33-point win over Las Vegas, marking the largest season-opening victory in team history.
Next game: Sunday, May 10, against the Golden State Valkyries at 5:30 p.m. at Chase Center in San Francisco. Check local listings for broadcast information.
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