WNBA to Punish Phoenix Mercury Star Nearing Suspension

John Jones-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

WNBA to Punish Phoenix Mercury Star Nearing Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 7:39 AM ET

The Phoenix Mercury not only lost to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, but their best player was also called for a violation that puts her on the cusp of suspension.

Kahleah Copper, who is leading the Mercury in scoring this season, finished with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal in Phoenix’s 94-84 loss to Washington.

While it was a solid outing for Copper despite the loss, she actually got in trouble with the referees early in the contest. Midway through the first quarter, Copper was seen arguing with a referee as she was heading to the bench.

The game official proceeded to give Copper a technical foul, with Mystics guard Sonia Citron taking the ensuing technical free throw and making it.

Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) reacts during a WNBA game.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

It is important to note, however, that it was Copper’s seventh technical foul of the season. That means she’s just one away from an automatic one-game suspension. She’s also now tied with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese for the most techs this campaign.

As a result of her seventh WNBA technical foul, Copper is also due to pay a $1,000 fine. The WNBA rules state that a player’s first three techs each carry a $500 fine, while the fourth through seventh technical fouls are each punishable by a $1,000 fine.

If Copper reaches eight technical fouls, she would also be fined $1,500 in addition to the one-game suspension that comes with it.

The Mercury have six games left in the season, so Copper will need to be extra careful if she wants to avoid getting suspended and paying a larger fine.

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

More must-reads: