Mercury secure spot in WNBA semifinals

## Overview The Phoenix Mercury is a professional women’s basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, competing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as part of the Western Conference[1][2]. As one of the league’s original eight franchises, the Mercury has been a cornerstone of women’s professional basketball in the United States since its inception in 1997[1][2]. ## History and Evolution Founded ahead of the WNBA’s inaugural season, the Mercury quickly established itself as a competitive force under the guidance of its first head coach, Cheryl Miller, a Basketball Hall of Famer[2]. The team made the playoffs in its first two seasons and reached the WNBA Finals in 1998, though it fell to the Houston Comets[1][2]. After a period of coaching changes and mixed results in the early 2000s, the Mercury’s fortunes turned around with the arrival of Diana Taurasi, the #1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, who went on to become one of the league’s most iconic players[1]. ## Key Achievements The Mercury’s legacy is defined by its three WNBA championships, won in 2007, 2009, and 2014, making it one of the league’s most successful franchises[1][2]. The team has qualified for the playoffs in 18 of its 28 seasons, a testament to its consistent competitiveness[1]. Notable players who have worn the Mercury jersey include Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Candice Dupree, Brittney Griner, and Penny Taylor[1]. These athletes have not only contributed to the team’s success but have also elevated the profile of women’s basketball globally. ## Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Mercury continues to be a playoff contender, finishing third in the Western Conference with a 27-17 record[3][

The **New York Liberty** is a pioneering professional women's basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City, competing in the WNBA's Eastern Conference. Founded in 1997 as one of the league's original eight franchises, the Liberty have been a consistent competitive force, reaching the playoffs in 19 of 28 seasons and playing in six WNBA Finals appearances. The team clinched its first WNBA Championship in 2024, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 3-2, a historic milestone that capped decades of competitive prominence[1][2][4]. The Liberty's early years were marked by immediate success, reaching the league finals in their inaugural 1997 season and again in 1999, 2000, and 2002, though falling short to dominant teams like the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks. Throughout their history, they have been home to many WNBA legends, including Teresa Weatherspoon (famous for a half-court shot in the 1999 Finals), Rebecca Lobo, Becky Hammon, Tina Charles, Sabrina Ionescu (the franchise’s first-ever No. 1 draft pick), Breanna Stewart (2023 WNBA MVP and key to recent success), and Jonquel Jones[1][2][7]. Ownership changed significantly in 2019 when billionaire Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai acquired the Liberty, moving the team to the Barclays Center and investing heavily in the roster and organizational professionalism. This strategic business approach led to rapid growth, culminating in the 2024 championship. The Tsais' vision emphasizes treating women's sports teams as serious business ventures, aiming to build sustained on-court success and commercial value, with ambitions to surpass a $1-billion franchise valuation[3]. Beyond basketball, the Liberty have been influential culturally, participating in social justice initiatives and community events, including Black Lives Matter solidarity and the New York City Pride March. The team also holds WNBA records, such as the most three-pointer

The Minnesota Lynx are a professional women's basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, competing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Founded in 1998, they began play in the 1999 season and have established themselves as one of the league's most successful franchises, capturing four WNBA championships between 2011 and 2017. The team plays its home games at the Target Center, which it shares with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves[1]. The Lynx have been home to notable players such as Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus, all of whom have contributed significantly to the team’s legacy and competitive success. Ownership of the team changed in 2024, with former MLB star Alex Rodriguez and entrepreneur Marc Lore taking over, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s business and organizational development[1]. In recent years, the Lynx have experienced fluctuations in performance. After finishing eighth in 2022 and missing the playoffs, they improved to fifth place in 2023 under head coach Cheryl Reeve. The 2025 season has seen a remarkable turnaround, with the Lynx leading the Western Conference with a strong 34-10 record and a .773 winning percentage. Key players include Napheesa Collier, who leads the team in points per game (22.9) and steals, Jessica Shepard leading in rebounds (7.3), and Courtney Williams leading in assists (6.2)[2][3]. The team’s colors—blue, green, and gray—were refreshed with new uniforms in 2021 to celebrate the WNBA’s 25th anniversary, reflecting both tradition and modern branding efforts. The Lynx continue to be a prominent figure not only in women’s basketball but also as a business entity adapting to evolving ownership and competitive landscapes[1][4].