Sanford Pentagon to Host WNBA Preseason Game

Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky to play exhibition match in South Dakota

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:51pm

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South Dakota will host its first-ever WNBA game in April at the Sanford Pentagon. The Phoenix Mercury will take on the Chicago Sky on April 25th in a preseason game. Mercury Head Coach Nate Tibbetts grew up in the Sioux Falls area and played for the University of South Dakota.

Why it matters

This marks the first time a WNBA game will be played in South Dakota, providing a unique opportunity for local fans to see professional women's basketball. The exhibition match also highlights the growing popularity of the WNBA and the league's efforts to expand its reach to new markets.

The details

The Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky will face off in a preseason game at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls on April 25th. Mercury Head Coach Nate Tibbetts, who is from the Sioux Falls area and played for the University of South Dakota, will lead his team in the exhibition match. The Mercury will also host a youth basketball clinic at the Sanford Pentagon on April 24th.

  • The WNBA preseason game will be played on April 25, 2026.
  • The Mercury will host a youth basketball clinic on April 24, 2026.

The players

Nate Tibbetts

Head Coach of the Phoenix Mercury and a Sioux Falls native who played for the University of South Dakota.

Fred Tibbetts

Nate Tibbetts' father, who was a high school coach in South Dakota and won 11 state championships.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to bring a WNBA game to South Dakota for the first time. This is a great opportunity for local fans to see professional women's basketball.”

— Nate Tibbetts, Head Coach, Phoenix Mercury

What’s next

The Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky will face off in the preseason game on April 25th at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

The takeaway

This WNBA exhibition game in South Dakota highlights the league's efforts to expand its reach and bring professional women's basketball to new markets, providing an exciting opportunity for local fans to experience the sport at the highest level.