PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury have officially announced rookie Jovana Nogić will not return for the remainder of the 2026 season following the suspension of her contract.
Nogić also addressed the decision in a statement released alongside the team's announcement.
Jun 5, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) gestures during the first half against the Portland Fire at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Nogić has been away from the team since June 20 after last playing on June 17. While no details were provided regarding the suspension of her contract, head coach Nate Tibbetts said it was due to "personal reasons."
A report from Sport Klub's Marko Vlahović revealed the rookie guard would take the summer off to prepare for her overseas commitments in Russia. Nogić has now released a statement confirming her departure for the season.
"This was not an easy decision. I love Phoenix, our organization and our fans," Nogić said in the press release. "The Mercury community made me feel welcome from day one, and I look forward to returning to Phoenix next season."
Phoenix general manager Nick U'Ren also emphasized the player's well-being as the organization's top priority in the press release.
"We appreciate the hard work, commitment and joy [Nogić] brought to Phoenix this season."
Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) makes a three pointer against the Sky during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on May 15, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nogić joined the Mercury as an undrafted rookie and quickly made an impact in her debut against the Las Vegas Aces on May 9. She scored 19 first-half points, the most by a player in the first half of a WNBA debut in league history, while shooting 4-for-5 from 3-point range.
She followed that up with a career-high 27 points against the Chicago Sky on May 15, shooting 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.
May 10, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) gestures after making a three-point basket against the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
While her season was brief, Nogić's early production gave the Mercury a glimpse of potential scoring depth that could be significant moving forward. Her flashes of shooting and instant offense stood out as one of the more encouraging developments of the early season.
