Alyssa Thomas represented the Phoenix Mercury during the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night, while also advocating for improved conditions across the league.

The narrative arc of the WNBA’s explosive growth can be traced in many ways: a positive slope of rising ticket sales and prices, merchandise booms, brand partnerships, sportsbook markets, salary conversations and expansion teams.

The WNBA has grown faster than ever in 2025, bringing a whole new level of stardom to the sport. Women's basketball has exploded into the national conciousness

Admittedly, Brondello thought she was free from All-Star coaching obligations since the Mercury were a half game ahead of the Liberty in the WNBA standings with only the Wings on deck earlier this month before the top two WNBA coaches were picked.

WNBA stars delivered a message with their warmup T-shirts Saturday night ahead of the All-Star Game about contentious contract negotiations.

The major free agent who could change the balance of power among the top three teams is Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP who last played in the league in 2022, when she was an All-Star for the Chicago Sky.

The Phoenix Mercury had their worst season in 2012, and in the 2013 WNBA Draft, they selected a center out of Baylor.

WNBA All-Star Game will feature St. Louis native Napheesa Collier, who is serving as a team captain, and Alecia Sutton, who is a second-year player for the Washington Mystics.