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Mercury coach addresses WNBA scheduling concerns after loss to Dream

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 12:35 PM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Mercury coach addresses WNBA scheduling concerns after loss to Dream

Summary

The Phoenix Mercury lost to the Atlanta Dream 99-89 on August 22, 2026, with Angel Reese's performance helping Atlanta secure a playoff spot. After the game, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts raised issues regarding the WNBA's schedule balance, expressing that long breaks and tight game stretches are detrimental to player recovery. Tibbetts acknowledged the challenges facing WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert while also highlighting how the current schedule affects the physical demands on teams. As the season grows with a 44-game format, scheduling issues remain a pressing concern, especially with the FIBA World Cup approaching in September.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mercury lose 99-89 to Atlanta Dream on August 22, 2026.
•Angel Reese's performance secures Atlanta's playoff spot.
•Coach Nate Tibbetts criticizes WNBA scheduling system.
•Players express fatigue due to demanding schedule.
•FIBA World Cup scheduled for September could complicate league calendar.

Latest Updates

12:35 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Got Enough Stuff To Worry About’ – Mercury HC Gets Honest on the Concerns Over WNBA’s ‘Balance of the Schedule’

What they're saying

"
The Phoenix Mercury suffered another loss to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night, as Angel Reese helped Atlanta secure a playoff spot with a 99-89 win. However, the focus was also on the league’s scheduling issues, as Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts shared his thoughts and raised concerns about the current WNBA scheduling system.
— Yahoo Sports

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