WNBA Rookie 'Temporarily Suspended' After 16 Games

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

WNBA Rookie 'Temporarily Suspended' After 16 Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jun 21, 2026 6:39 PM ET

It looks like the Phoenix Mercury will not be with their top rookie for some time.

Jovana Nogic, an experienced guard who has been playing professionally in Europe since 2019, signed a rookie contract with the Mercury during the offseason and has been a revelation ever since. In 16 games played so far this campaign, she has averaged 10.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for Phoenix.

Nogic is third on the team in scoring, behind only Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. She got off to an incredible start when she scored 19 points in the Mercury's seasonopening win against the Las Vegas Aces.

Just six days after that, Nogic exploded for 27 points against the Chicago Sky, setting the record for the most points scored in a single game by an undrafted rookie in WNBA history.

Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) looks at the bench during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

WNBA Rookie Jovana Nogic Temporarily Suspended

Unfortunately, Nogic missed the Mercury's win against the Seattle Storm on Saturday, with Phoenix citing she was not with the team.

The Mercury then announced that her contract had been temporarily suspended, per the WNBA Transactions Page.

Before the game against the Storm, head coach Nate Tibbetts said that Nogic was away from the squad due to "personal reasons," as reported by Hayden Cilley of ClutchPoints.

By temporarily suspending Nogic's contract, the Mercury opens up a roster spot to sign another player. Nogic's salary remains on Phoenix's cap, and her roster spot will only be available until she returns.

It remains to be seen when Nogic will be back. In the meantime, it will be interesting to see how the Mercury choose to replace her and her production.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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