Phoenix Mercury Sign Olympian, Draft Pair in WNBA Draft

The Mercury added international talent to their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into overlapping planes of teal, magenta, and gold, conveying the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the sport.The Phoenix Mercury's international roster additions signal their ambition to remain a WNBA powerhouse.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Mercury had a busy Monday, signing two-time Olympic medalist Valeriane Ayayi from France and drafting a pair of international players, forward Ines Pitarch-Granel from France and guard Eszter Ratkai from Hungary, in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Why it matters

The Mercury are reloading their roster after making the 2025 WNBA Finals, bringing back core players like Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner, while adding international talent to complement their veteran leadership.

The details

Phoenix signed Noemie Brochant, a 27-year-old forward from France, to a training camp contract. They then drafted Pitarch-Granel, a 20-year-old forward, in the second round and Ratkai, a 5-foot-9 guard, in the third round. The Mercury did not have a first-round pick, having traded it to the Chicago Sky in the deal for Copper two years ago.

  • The Phoenix Mercury made their moves on Monday, April 14, 2026, during the WNBA Draft.
  • Ayayi, a three-time Olympian, last played in the WNBA in 2015 for the San Antonio Stars.

The players

Valeriane Ayayi

A 6-foot-1 forward from Bordeaux, France, who is a three-time Olympian, winning bronze in 2020 and silver in 2024. She has carved out a decorated career in Europe, making the All-Defensive Team and All-EuroLeague Third Team in 2025.

Noemie Brochant

A 27-year-old, 5-foot-11 forward from France who plays for Charleville-Mezieres and has represented the French National Team.

Ines Pitarch-Granel

A 20-year-old forward from France who was drafted by the Mercury in the second round. She plays for one of the top club teams in France, Tango Bourges Basket, and has international experience with the French youth national team.

Eszter Ratkai

A 5-foot-9 guard from Hungary who was drafted by the Mercury in the third round. She has played for the Hungarian youth national teams and projects as a point guard.

Kahleah Copper

A core member of the Mercury's 2025 WNBA Finals team who was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Sky two years ago.

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What they’re saying

“The numbers (5.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG) look modest, but Pitarch-Granel plays for Tango Bourges Basket, one of the top club teams in France, and is getting regular rotation minutes among a core of veterans. Her size (6-foot), age (20) and shooting ability (38.1% on 3-pointers) make her a potential contributor in a few years.”

— Charlie Creme, ESPN Analyst

“The second of the Mercury's international draft picks, Ratkai looks like another future asset. She was a regular on the Hungarian youth national teams for the past four years and has played both backcourt spots but projects as a point guard at 5-foot-9.”

— Charlie Creme, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Mercury will look to integrate their new international signings and draft picks into the roster ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, as they aim to build on their 2025 Finals appearance.

The takeaway

The Phoenix Mercury continue to prioritize international talent, adding Olympian Valeriane Ayayi and drafting a pair of young prospects from France and Hungary, as they reload their roster for another WNBA championship push.