Sonja Petrović's Standout Season with the Phoenix Mercury

The Serbian forward made the most of her lone WNBA campaign in 2016.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Sonja Petrović, a Serbian forward, joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2016 and made a strong impact during her sole WNBA season. She played 31 games, starting 13, and averaged 5.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Petrović's best performance came against the Connecticut Sun, when she scored a team-high 22 points to lead the Mercury to an 86-75 victory. Though her time in the WNBA was brief, Petrović went on to have a successful international career, being named EuroBasket MVP in 2021.

Why it matters

Petrović's story highlights the global talent pool in women's basketball and the opportunities for international players to make an impact in the WNBA. Her lone season with the Mercury also coincided with a playoff run for the team, demonstrating her ability to contribute to a winning team.

The details

Petrović was originally drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2009 but did not play for them, instead opting to play overseas. She later joined the Chicago Sky in 2012, appearing in 30 games and starting two. After being waived by the Sky, Petrović signed with the Mercury in 2016 and made the most of her opportunity, providing a scoring punch off the bench and showcasing her all-around game.

  • Petrović was drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2009.
  • She joined the Chicago Sky in 2012, appearing in 30 games and starting two.
  • Petrović signed with the Phoenix Mercury in 2016 and played 31 games for the team.
  • Petrović's best game with the Mercury came on June 12, 2016, when she scored a team-high 22 points in an 86-75 win over the Connecticut Sun.
  • After her lone WNBA season, Petrović continued her professional career overseas and was named EuroBasket MVP in 2021.

The players

Sonja Petrović

A Serbian forward who played one season with the Phoenix Mercury in 2016, averaging 5.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

Brittney Griner

The star center for the Phoenix Mercury, who was drafted by the team in 2013 and helped lead them to the playoffs in 2016.

DeWanna Bonner

A veteran forward for the Phoenix Mercury who scored 18 points in the team's 86-75 win over the Connecticut Sun in 2016.

Diana Taurasi

The legendary guard for the Phoenix Mercury, who scored 11 points in the team's 86-75 win over the Connecticut Sun in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Sonja Petrović's brief but impactful stint with the Phoenix Mercury showcased her talent and versatility, and her continued success overseas demonstrates the global reach and talent pool in women's basketball. Her story is a testament to the opportunities available for international players to make an impact in the WNBA.