Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas isn’t slowing down after a deep playoff run that nearly brought a championship to the desert. As the WNBA offseason begins, Thomas is preparing for her return to Unrivaled, where she is expected to be one of the standout players once again.
The upcoming Unrivaled season kicks off in January 2026, featuring a mix of returning stars and exciting new faces. Several of Thomas’s Phoenix teammates will also be participating, continuing the momentum they built during their Finals run. Returning players such as Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, and Skylar Diggins will share the court with new additions including Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and standout forward Dominique Malonga.
During the previous Unrivaled season, Thomas represented Laces BC, a squad stacked with talent including Jackie Young, Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, Kayla McBride, and Stephanie Dolson. Her impact was felt across the board. In 14 games, she averaged 11.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1 steal per contest, embodying the all-around style that has defined her WNBA career.
Laces BC finished the season 7–7, earning third place and a playoff berth. Their postseason run ended with a close 63–57 loss to Rose BC, led by Kahleah Copper and Chelsea Gray. Thomas delivered a strong performance in that elimination game, scoring 20 points along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Gray’s explosive 39-point effort, however, powered Rose BC to the championship game while Copper, sidelined that night, cheered from the bench.
The competitive balance between teams like Rose BC, Phantom BC, and Laces BC made Unrivaled’s debut season a success, and the league’s growth shows no signs of slowing. Last year, Copper’s championship win with Rose BC and Satou Sabally’s impressive showing with Phantom BC helped establish Unrivaled as a legitimate offseason showcase for elite talent.
For Thomas, who just wrapped up an MVP-caliber campaign with the Mercury, this next Unrivaled season is an opportunity to stay sharp while chasing another title. Her ability to rebound, facilitate, and defend at an elite level makes her one of the league’s most valuable players in any format.
Unrivaled’s combination of star power and fresh talent promises another exciting season, with Thomas positioned as one of the key players to watch. After dominating both in Phoenix and overseas, she will now look to bring her trademark intensity and leadership back to the Unrivaled stage, aiming to turn last season’s playoff exit into a championship run.
When the WNBA season returns months later, Thomas will once again be ready to anchor the Mercury’s push for another Finals appearance. For now, her focus is firmly set on Unrivaled and on proving once more why she remains one of the game’s most complete and driven competitors.
