Mercury shutting down Kelsey Plum for remainder of 2026 season

The Phoenix Mercury are shutting down All-Star guard Kelsey Plum for the remainder of the 2026 season due to a lower leg injury, the team announced Monday.

The shutdown allows Plum to work with the training staff to fully recover from the injury, with the Mercury eliminated from playoff contention.

The five-time All-Star also will not participate for Team USA in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

The Mercury acquired Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 2, and she played five games with the franchise. Plum averaged 15.8 points and 2.8 assists, including 20- and 25-point performances.

“Kelsey is a competitor, and she wants nothing more than to be on the court with her teammates and competing for the Mercury,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “We know how much it means to her to play, and how much she means to our fans.

“Ultimately, this was about doing what is best for Kelsey’s long-term health and making sure she has the time and support she needs to return to the court at full strength.”

Plum will be a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, and Phoenix will have a decision to make.

After making it to the WNBA Finals a year ago, the Mercury sit at 14-26 this season with four games remaining.

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