Ann Meyers Drysdale's Legacy as Phoenix Mercury GM

The WNBA legend helped guide the Mercury to their first two championships as general manager.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:07am

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Ann Meyers Drysdale had an illustrious playing career, starring at UCLA and representing the U.S. national team. After retiring, she became the general manager of the Phoenix Mercury in 2007 and helped lead the team to their first two WNBA championships in 2007 and 2009 with players like Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter. Meyers Drysdale held the GM role for several seasons, overseeing the Mercury's sustained success during that period.

Why it matters

Meyers Drysdale is considered a WNBA legend, both for her playing accomplishments and her contributions as an executive. Her time as the Mercury's GM was a pivotal era for the franchise, as she helped build championship-winning teams and establish the team as one of the WNBA's premier organizations.

The details

As GM, Meyers Drysdale oversaw the Mercury's return to the playoffs in 2007, culminating in the franchise's first WNBA title that season. The team won another championship in 2009 under her leadership. Meyers Drysdale held the GM role for several more seasons, with the Mercury continuing to be one of the WNBA's top teams during that stretch.

  • Meyers Drysdale became the Mercury's GM in 2007.
  • The Mercury won their first WNBA championship in 2007 under Meyers Drysdale's leadership.
  • The Mercury won their second WNBA championship in 2009 while Meyers Drysdale was GM.

The players

Ann Meyers Drysdale

A WNBA legend who starred as a player at UCLA and for the U.S. national team, and later served as the general manager of the Phoenix Mercury, helping guide the team to their first two WNBA championships.

Diana Taurasi

A star player for the Phoenix Mercury who was a key part of the team's championship-winning teams during Meyers Drysdale's tenure as GM.

Cappie Pondexter

Another star player for the Phoenix Mercury who contributed to the team's success during Meyers Drysdale's time as GM.

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What they’re saying

“Ann Meyers Drysdale is a Mercury legend in her own right, and she deserves to be celebrated.”

— Davion Moore, Author

The takeaway

Meyers Drysdale's tenure as the Phoenix Mercury's GM was a pivotal era for the franchise, as she helped build championship-winning teams and establish the Mercury as one of the WNBA's premier organizations. Her contributions as both a player and an executive cement her status as a WNBA legend.