Phoenix Mercury V Connecticut Sun DeWanna Bonner 24 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on August 7, 2026. Uncasville United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xEricaxDenhoffx originalFilename:denhoff-phoenixm260807_np1WR.jpg
Phoenix Mercury V Connecticut Sun DeWanna Bonner 24 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on August 7, 2026. Uncasville United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xEricaxDenhoffx originalFilename:denhoff-phoenixm260807_np1WR.jpg
If Nneka Ogwumike’s retirement announcement broke your heart, fasten your seatbelt because there might be another one lurking over the horizon, involving DeWanna Bonner.
“First of all, congratulations to Nneka. What an amazing career she's had,” the Phoenix Mercury star said, per a recent X clip posted by Mercury beat reporter Hayden Cilley. “But I still feel like I'm playing great basketball. I still got a couple more games left. I think afterwards I'll make my decision.”
The 17-season veteran forward has been around longer than Ogwumike has. Bonner’s well-rounded career includes 2 WNBA championships with the Mercury, 6 All-Star selections, and the league’s 5th All-time scorer by 2024 ranking.
COLLEGE PARK, GA - JULY 13: Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike 30 reacts during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Atlanta Dream on July 13th, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 13 Los Angeles Sparks at Atlanta Dream EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260713050
COLLEGE PARK, GA - JULY 13: Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike 30 reacts during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Atlanta Dream on July 13th, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 13 Los Angeles Sparks at Atlanta Dream EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260713050
But thankfully, we’re going to have her on board for the time being. Even at 38+, she’s averaging 10.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this season and still has the fuel in her motor to keep going.
“I'm gonna do things right now,” she added to the same segment. “My body feels that way. My mind is still in it. I'm still having fun. I still want to try to (defeat) everyone when I compete. I don't think you ever lose that."
But don’t be so sure. She sang a different tune just last month.
DeWanna Bonner Talked About Retirement Already
When you’ve been around for as long as Bonner has, been only the third player to reach 8,000 career points, and the first player to record at least 8,000 points, 3,000 rebounds and 500 steals in league history, there's only so much to stick around for. And that’s probably what she thought in July.
“I don’t know if this is for me anymore; maybe this is the last year,” Bonner said during an appearance in ESPN’s “Life in the W” docuseries, per The Sporting News’ Rodney Knuppel. “My ultimate dream is to be in the front office.”
Tapping into post-retirement interests is one step ahead of just thinking about retirement. So, it's about time we stay prepared for another announcement.
When do you think it’s coming, though? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy