League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

DeWanna Bonner's buyout highlights WNBA team dynamics and player leverage

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 3:08 AM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

DeWanna Bonner's buyout highlights WNBA team dynamics and player leverage

Summary

DeWanna Bonner was recently released by the Phoenix Mercury after a buyout agreement worth $451,220. This marks her second consecutive exit from WNBA rosters without the teams receiving compensation. Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren noted the buyout was a mutual decision, allowing Bonner to pursue a title as her career nears its end. Analyst Rachel DeMita described the situation as indicative of broader league dynamics, where veteran players often exert significant influence over their careers. Following the buyout, Bonner cleared waivers and signed with the Atlanta Dream for the remainder of the season.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•DeWanna Bonner left the Mercury through a negotiated buyout.
•This is Bonner's second consecutive year exiting without compensation for her previous teams.
•Analyst Rachel DeMita critiqued the handling of Bonner's buyout publicly by the Mercury.
•Bonner's agent described the buyout situation as unusual in the league.
•Bonner has joined the Atlanta Dream after clearing waivers.

Latest Updates

3:08 AMYahoo Sports — “Crazy”: Mercury GM’s Admission Around $451,220 DeWanna Bonner Decision Gets WNBA Analyst’s Attention For One Major Reason

What they're saying

"
DeWanna Bonner has now exited two WNBA rosters in consecutive years without either franchise recovering so much as a second-round pick for her. Now, based on how you look at it, it’s a quirk that says as much about the league’s culture as it does about a 39-year-old’s career winding down.
— Yahoo Sports

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