PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury 's Alyssa Thomas has added another accolade to an already decorated career, earning a nomination for the 2026 ESPYS Best WNBA Player award.
Thomas is among four finalists for the fan-voted award, joining reigning MVP A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and Allisha Gray . The nomination recognizes the players' continued impact and all-around excellence that continues to set the standard across the league.
For Thomas, the recognition comes as she continues to carry the Mercury through an up-and-down season.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on June 17, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The season has been turbulent for Phoenix, with the Mercury still searching for consistency as injuries and roster shakeups have tested the team throughout the first half of the year. Thomas, however, has remained a constant on both ends of the floor, continuing to prove why she's the engine that drives the club.
The veteran forward is averaging 14.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.4 steals this season. She leads the WNBA with 151 assists and is tied for sixth in steals with 26.
Jun 11, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scores a basket defended by Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Thomas also reminded fans of her scoring ability this week, posting a season-high 24 points in Phoenix's dramatic 111-109 victory over the Indiana Fever . The performance showcased the versatility that has defined her career, as she once again filled the stat sheet while taking over offensively when Phoenix needed it most.
The nomination is another sign that the franchise has an elite star on its hands, and the national recognition reinforces the Mercury's place in the WNBA spotlight. While Phoenix continues to navigate an unpredictable season, Thomas has continued to produce at an elite level in her 13th WNBA season and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Jun 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) battle for the loose basketball during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
The ESPYS nomination serves as validation of what fans have watched all season. Thomas continues to be one of the league's premier two-way players, impacting every facet of the game.
Individual awards aren't what define her career, but national recognition like this highlights just how valuable she remains to both the Mercury and the WNBA as a whole.
