Overview

• Phoenix Mercury enters the season with a restructured roster centered on Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally after losing Brittney Griner to free agency and Diana Taurasi to retirement.
• Kahleah Copper's availability for the opener remains uncertain due to a back injury, raising questions about Phoenix's lineup for Saturday's game.
• Seattle Storm returns a veteran core, including Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Gabby Williams, following their best-ever year-to-year improvement in 2024 with a 25-15 record.
• Both teams underwent significant offseason changes, with Seattle acquiring draft assets and Li Yueru via trades, while Phoenix added multiple All-Stars in a bid to rebuild.
• The matchup highlights broader WNBA trends of veteran-heavy rosters and strategic trades shaping the league's competitive landscape.