Phoenix Mercury prepared for 2026 home opener after transformative offseason

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — After the offseason led to changes including new and departing players and a refreshed brand, the Phoenix Mercury are set to play in front of the X-Factor on Tuesday to open the 2026 home slate.

The Mighty Mercury advanced to the WNBA Finals in 2025 before ultimately getting swept by Las Vegas. This season, the team believes it can take the next step and bring a title to the Valley.

Today on Good Morning Arizona, we’re finding new additions to Mortgage Matchup Center that are sure to excite Mercury fans, as well as looking ahead at what to expect on the court this season.

Giveaways for 2026 season

The Mercury are starting off with a giveaway for the X-Factor. The first 10,000 fans at the home opener with get a 30th anniversary commemorative t-shirt. Ian and Simone checked out other planned giveaways through the season.

FanDuel Lounge opens for season ticket holders

Season ticket holders have a new place to kick back at Mortgage Matchup Center. The FanDuel Lounge is being introduced this season to give the most loyal X-Factor members somewhere to enjoy games in comfort.

Guests can enjoy from a full menu, including smashburgers, cheesesteaks, sweet treats and more! Don’t forget the candy and snacks.

Doors open half an hour before regular doors open. Kick back at the lounge seating and enjoy the game from a wall of high-def televisions!

Phoenix Mercury President Vince Kozar joins the show

With the new season starting off, fans have a lot to look forward to, from new players to new uniforms and merchandise. Ian and Simone chat with the team’s president, Vince Kozar, about what to expect when coming to games.

Kozar said he is thrilled to be back in the building and celebrate the Mercury’s 30th season alongside the fans.

“Just an incredible atmosphere, the way this city got behind our team. I’m excited to introduce them [fans] to the new players, for them to see the ones that they love so much, and just get back to it,” he said.

Phoenix has seen a rise in attendance at women’s sporting events, including the WNBA All-Star Game and the NCAA Women’s Final Four. Kozar says the momentum behind women’s sports has been phenomenal.

“This really is a market and a city and a group of people who love women’s sports. Basketball in general. This is their team, so we’re excited to get them back in the building,” he said.

The team president says for first timers at Mercury games, branch out and get to know the people sitting around you!

“We’ve got some traditions and they’ll teach you everything. They want to talk to you. They want to bring you into the fold,” he said.

Finding value at Mortgage Matchup Center

When you think of live sporting events, there’s a good chance you think of all the great food that go with them. The Phoenix Mercury, along with the Suns, have an in-arena menu that’s sure to save fans a some bucks.

New additions this season include tacos and ice cream sandwiches! The new items add to the $2 menu that previously featured hot dogs, chips, popcorn, fountain soda and Dasani water.

New Mercury merch at the Team Shop

After the team introduced a refreshed brand over the offseason, fans will need to get some new-look merchandise to match. The Team Shop at Mortgage Matchup Center, as well as the online store, has the new gear that you’ll need.

Play-by-play voice of the Mercury on what to expect

The 2026 season will bring new gear, new strategies and new faces onto the court. Ian and Simone talk with the Mercury’s play-by-play announcer Ann Schatz about what the X-Factor will see in the new season.

The team has three court designs this season — the most among all WNBA teams. The Merc will introduce the new Nike Rebel uniforms and court to fans on May 15 when they host the Chicago Sky.

Phoenix is set to make its home debut at 7 p.m. Tuesday against Minnesota, and the game will be broadcast on 3TV!

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