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Alyssa Thomas makes big future announcement during Mercury-Lynx series | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 5:02 GMT by Sporting News
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Alyssa Thomas Announces Retirement During Mercury‑Lynx Series

In a moment that stunned fans and pundits alike, Phoenix Mercury legend Alyssa Thomas announced that she will retire from professional basketball at the end of the 2024 WNBA season. The announcement came during the first game of the Mercury‑Lynx series, a high‑profile matchup that attracted a packed crowd at Talking Stick Resort Arena and drew national television coverage.

A Career to Remember

Thomas’s name is synonymous with the Mercury’s recent success. Drafted 10th overall by Phoenix in 2013, the point guard spent her entire 10‑year career in Arizona. She helped the team win its second WNBA title in 2022, and her leadership on and off the court has earned her four All‑Star selections, two All‑Defensive Team honors, and a spot on the WNBA’s 30th‑Anniversary Team.

Over her career, Thomas has averaged 10.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. She’s been lauded for her shooting prowess—particularly from beyond the arc, where she has posted a career 3‑point percentage of 37.3%—and for her defensive tenacity, ranking in the league’s top ten in steals in three separate seasons. Thomas has also been a vocal advocate for player rights and community outreach, leading the Mercury’s “Give the Gift” program that donates basketballs and equipment to under‑served youth.

The Announcement

After a hard‑fought 90‑82 win over the Minnesota Lynx, Thomas stepped onto the court for a brief press conference. She said, “I’ve been thinking a lot about the next chapter of my life, and I have decided that this season will be my last playing for the WNBA.” She added that she intends to “continue to be involved with the game in a different capacity” and that she is “excited to take on new challenges.”

Thomas also expressed gratitude to the fans, her teammates, and the Mercury organization. “I have lived in Phoenix for my entire adult life, and this city has given me so much. I will always be proud to have worn the Mercury jersey,” she told reporters. The crowd erupted in applause and chants of “Go Mercury!”

The announcement came in the middle of a series that had been billed as a “battle of the titans.” While the Mercury’s veteran core remains intact, Thomas’s departure marks the loss of a franchise cornerstone.

Reactions From Players and Coaches

Phoenix coach Fred Williams responded shortly after the announcement: “Alyssa has been an integral part of our success. We’re going to miss her on the court, but we are proud of her and excited to see her next steps.” Williams also noted that the team will focus on integrating younger players into the lineup as Thomas’s leadership spot widens.

Teammate Breanna Stewart echoed the sentiment: “I’ve learned so much from Alyssa’s work ethic, her competitiveness, and her dedication. She’s not just a great teammate; she’s a mentor.”

Minnesota’s Maya Moore, who played alongside Thomas in multiple championship runs, said, “It’s hard to imagine the Mercury without Alyssa. She was one of the best teammates you could ask for. I know she’ll do great things in whatever she pursues next.”

Implications for the Mercury

With Thomas out, the Mercury’s roster will shift in several ways. The team will need to elevate players like guard‑forward Crystal Dangerfield and rookie guard Jada Williams to fill the offensive void left by Thomas’s averages. The coaching staff has already outlined a plan to give younger players more minutes and to rely on the team’s depth on the defensive end.

Thomas’s retirement also opens a contract slot that the Mercury can use to sign a free agent or a top pick from the upcoming WNBA draft. The front office has hinted that they will be looking at the “defensive specialists” to balance the team’s offensive strengths.

In terms of the team’s future, Phoenix will be working to maintain the momentum from its 2022 championship. The Mercury will likely aim for a deep playoff run, but Thomas’s presence as a floor general and defensive anchor will be sorely missed.

Alyssa’s Next Chapter

While Thomas hasn’t yet disclosed the specifics of her post‑playing career, early reports suggest she is exploring opportunities in coaching, player development, and sports broadcasting. In a brief statement on her personal Instagram account, Thomas wrote, “I love the game, and I love working with players. I hope to bring that passion to a new role.”

Her former coach, Fred Williams, hinted that Thomas may join the Mercury’s coaching staff as a player‑development specialist. Meanwhile, former WNBA stars like Lauren Jackson have said that Thomas would make an excellent analyst, given her basketball IQ and communication skills.

The WNBA Community Responds

Thomas’s announcement has ignited a wave of tributes across the league. Social media filled with clips of her career highlights, heartfelt messages from teammates, and an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. The WNBA’s social media team posted a tribute video that stitched together footage from her 2014 championship run to her 2023 Finals performance.

Many commentators also reflected on the broader context of player retirements in the WNBA. As the league continues to grow in popularity, players are beginning to consider longer-term life planning earlier in their careers. Thomas’s decision to retire after a decade of professional play aligns with a growing trend of athletes taking deliberate steps to transition into post‑playing careers while still in peak physical condition.

Looking Forward

While the Mercury will undoubtedly feel the void left by Alyssa Thomas, the franchise is poised to build on its legacy. Thomas’s announcement offers a clear moment of reflection for both the team and the league. Her contributions to the game will be remembered, and her next endeavors—whether in coaching, broadcasting, or community outreach—are sure to influence the sport in new ways.

For fans, the most immediate takeaway is that the 2024 season will be Thomas’s final tour. It promises to be a season filled with both nostalgia and anticipation, as the Mercury, the WNBA, and the broader basketball community watch the next chapter of Alyssa Thomas’s career unfold.