Kahleah Copper Shares Insight on Committing to Unrivaled Season 2 with Mercury
Kahleah Copper Faces Challenges and Prospects in the 2025 WNBA Season
Kahleah Copper’s 2025 Season: An Uphill Battle
The 2025 WNBA season proved to be a challenging one for Kahleah Copper. Just before the season commenced, the Phoenix Mercury announced that Copper would be sidelined for 4-6 weeks following a left knee arthroscopy. Her performance was notably different this year, as a right leg injury had already limited her participation to seven games in the Unrivaled winter league.
During the 2025 season, Copper participated in 28 games, a significant decrease from her previous standout season in 2024. Her scoring dropped to an average of 15.6 points per game, from a high of 21.1 points per game the prior year. Observers questioned whether participating in the Unrivaled league had contributed to her decline in performance.
Insights Into Copper’s Decision
Despite these setbacks, Copper has confirmed her participation in the second season of the 3×3 Unrivaled basketball tournament. Addressing her decision, she explained, “I mean, it gives you an opportunity to stay home. It gives you an opportunity to show your talent, compete against the best, and then just be treated like a pro.”
Unrivaled is uniquely positioned to benefit players like Copper. The league, championed by its president of Basketball Operations, Luke Cooper, was established to provide athletes opportunities to stay within the United States while maintaining professional-level earnings.
The Financial Attraction of Unrivaled
The financial incentives are also compelling. In 2025, WNBA salaries ranged from $66,079 for rookies to a maximum of $250,000 for top-tier players. In contrast, Unrivaled’s $8 million salary pool and an average player pay of $222,222 offer substantial compensation. Additionally, founding members gain equity, presenting a lucrative prospect for players who traditionally ventured overseas for higher pay.
Challenges and Hopes for the Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury faced additional challenges this season, starting without iconic players Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner for the first time in over two decades. Despite these changes, Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally formed a formidable trio, leading the Mercury to several victories and putting them close to a WNBA Finals appearance.
In a critical game against the Lynx, the trio amassed a combined 65 points, marking the Mercury’s sixth playoff game with three 20-point scorers. The performance cemented their status as strong contenders for the championship, with the team eyeing a WNBA title.
Looking Ahead: Phoenix Mercury’s Path to Glory
The Phoenix Mercury’s gamble of prioritizing star power over depth seems to be paying off. With ten new faces and strategic recruitment of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, their push towards the finals has been promising. Their recent success has positioned them as favorites for the championship, and the entire Big 3 is set to showcase their talent in the Unrivaled tournament.
As the Mercury continue their quest for a championship, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Do you see Phoenix overcoming the odds to secure a title this year? Share your thoughts below!
