The Phoenix Mercury officially inked 16-year veteran Dewanna Bonner on Tuesday, just two weeks after the Indiana Fever waived her. The move doesn’t just bring a two-time champion back to the desert—it realigns one of the league’s most beloved queer pairings, reuniting Bonner with her fiancée and longtime running mate Alyssa Thomas.
Bonner, 37, spent her first decade in Phoenix before stops in Connecticut and a brief, rocky stint with Indiana (7.1 ppg in nine games). She asked out of Indy on June 25, saying the “fit did not work out” at this stage in her career.
Once she cleared waivers, league insiders assumed a homecoming was inevitable. ESPN reports the Mercury had room to slot her at the veteran minimum after waiving a rookie to clear the roster spot.
After the announcement, Bonner posted a glammed-up photo of herself on her Instagram, captioned, “long story short, I’m home.”
Fans embraced the news with open arms.
Instagram.com/DewannaBonner
“You’re back where u should be!! Back where it all began!!” wrote one fan.
“I’m so happy DB is back in Arizona, and I can’t wait to see her on the court,” wrote another.
Instagram.com/DewannaBonner
Thomas, traded to Phoenix during the offseason, has already electrified the X-Factor with a 15-point, 10-rebound, 15-assist triple-double, her 16th overall and first in a Mercury uniform. Fans at that game erupted when Bonner appeared courtside next to team brass, then again when the franchise confirmed her signing the following day.
The duo last shared a locker room in Connecticut, where they fell in love and got engaged over All-Star weekend 2023. A year of long-distance followed before this midsummer plot twist brought them back under one organizational roof.
On-court, Phoenix gains depth for a playoff push: Bonner ranks third all-time in WNBA scoring and still owns matchup-busting length on the wing, while Thomas orchestrates the offense and piles up defensive rebounds. Off-court, the Mercury now boast one of the league’s most high-profile queer couple.s Another win for visibility in a season that’s become must-watch for LGBTQ+ fans!
A soccer ball on the field.Tony Quinn/Shutterstock
Two players on the soccer field.Anton Vierietin/Shutterstock
Angel City FC Pride Unisex Protect Trans Lives Short Sleeve White T-Shirt for sale on the official Angel City FC website.
Queer Unrivaled players Paige Bueckers, Alyssa Thomas, and Courtney Williams with Natisha Hiedeman.
Lesbian and sapphic athletes celebrating with their partners.Footage still via Instagram @redrosesrugby; Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images; Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
