DeWanna Bonner just etched her name deeper into WNBA history, but it was a single word, spoken during ESPN’s “Life in the W” docuseries, that sent shockwaves through the league. The Phoenix Mercury star, who just became only the third player ever to hit 8,000 career points, openly wondered if the 2026 season could be her last on the court.
The Hint That Has Everyone Talking
Yeah, you heard that right. Bonner, 38, didn’t hold back, saying, “I don’t know if this is for me anymore; maybe this is the last year.” That’s a gut punch for any fan who’s watched her dominate for nearly two decades. But she’s not looking to leave basketball entirely behind. Her ultimate dream, she revealed, is to slide right into a front office role. While it’s not an official retirement call yet, those candid comments scream that she’s seriously thinking about hanging up the jerseys.
A Resume Like No Other
And what a resume it is! Bonner started with the Mercury as the No. 5 pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft, and she’s done it all in 17 seasons. Two WNBA championships with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014? Check. Six All-Star selections? Triple check. Three straight Sixth Woman of the Year awards? Absolutely. Plus, she was a huge part of the Mercury’s run to the WNBA Finals just last year, returning to the franchise for the 2025 season. Her latest monumental achievement? On July 7 against the Chicago Sky, she dropped 12 points and snagged seven rebounds in a 77-66 loss, joining Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles as the only players to hit the 8,000-point mark. But wait, there’s more. She’s also the *only* player in league history with at least 8,000 points, 3,000 rebounds, and 500 steals. Talk about versatility and consistency, folks, she wrote the book on it.
What’s Next For The Legend?
Now, that little word “maybe” is huge, isn’t it? Bonner hasn’t sealed the deal on retirement, keeping the door open for an 18th season. The Mercury clearly believe in her, re-signing her before this 2026 season to chase another championship alongside fellow vets Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Sami Whitcomb. Her journey through the league playing for Phoenix, the Connecticut Sun, and Indiana Fever, as a reserve, a centerpiece, a champion, a veteran leader , that’s experience gold. If she does step away, her desire to stay in a front office role means her incredible basketball brain won’t be far from the action. But for now, the question remains: will this championship pursuit be Bonner’s final chapter? We’re all watching, holding our breath to see what this legend decides.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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