‘This was my first choice’: Phoenix Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb lands where she always planned

“[Phoenix] was my first choice,” Whitcomb said. “I have no problem saying that. I told [the Mercury] that when I left. This is where I wanted to be.”

The WNBA’s CBA negotiations stretched deep into the offseason, creating unease across teams and front offices. At times, the delay raised concerns about whether the 2026 season would even begin on time — leaving players like Whitcomb to navigate an unpredictable few months.

After an offseason filled with uncertainty surrounding the CBA, Whitcomb is back in the Valley on a two-year deal — a move that brings continuity and stability to both the player and organization at a pivotal moment.

However, the guard revealed that there were other options available to her, although she didn’t name what those options were.

“You know, there were a lot of things that were going to be unpredictable about the offseason,” she said. “There were times where I wasn’t so sure that this would be where I’d land. I stayed in constant communication with them, and I really appreciated that.”

Even through that uncertainty, both parties maintained consistent communication, something she said made the difference.

“We were really honest and open,” she said. “… I’m just really, really grateful that it ended up working out.”

The guard’s return is significant for the Mercury, a team that leaned heavily on her experience and shooting in 2025. In her first year in Phoenix, Whitcomb provided steady backcourt production from the bench that helped stabilize a roster in transition. Her perimeter shooting and playmaking often sparked the offense, while her composure proved valuable in close games — especially during the club’s deep playoff run.

In 2025, Whitcomb averaged 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Beyond the stats, her familiarity with the system and culture gives Phoenix continuity at a time when many teams have completely reshaped their rosters. Whitcomb joins Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld as returning faces.

For the Mercury, retaining a trusted contributor signals an intent to remain competitive while building cohesion. In a turbulent offseason, both sides got what they wanted, and that may matter as much as anything else once the season tips off.