WNBA rookie Jovana Nogic left the Phoenix Mercury in late June due to personal reasons.

Controversy has been louder than the results for the Phoenix Mercury. The 2025 finalists had an abysmal start to the 2026 season, losing 13 of the first 18 games.

Phoenix Mercury rookie guard Jovana Nogic will miss the remainder of the season due to personal reasons. Nogic is the Mercury's third-leading scorer at 10.4 points per game and was shooting 42% from 3-point range. “This was not an easy decision, I love Phoenix, our organization and our fans,” Nogic said in a statement on Monday.

PHOENIX — Jovana Nogić’s departure from the Phoenix Mercury has taken another turn after her agent denied an earlier report about why the rookie guard left the club. May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Jovana Nogic (29) drives on the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center.

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.

Jovana Nogic suddenly left the Mercury midway through the season to gear up for the 2027 EuroBasket tournament.

PHOENIX — When news broke that the Phoenix Mercury would be suspending guard Jovana Nogić’s contract, many were left wondering what happened. Now, it appears the suspension is tied to her continuing her career overseas in Russia.

The Phoenix Mercury temporarily suspended a player's contract last week due to personal reasons.

She was one of the biggest surprises in the league.