For the first time since 2024, the Phoenix Mercury were back in the WNBA Draft, and they used their return to the podium to cast a wide net across the Atlantic. With two late-round selections, the franchise focused its strategy on adding young, international talent to build for the future.

With the 27th overall pick, the Mercury selected French guard Ines Pitarch-Granel. The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter has spent the last two seasons developing with Tango Bourges Basket in France, averaging 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds this season. She joins a growing French contingent in Phoenix, which already includes veterans Valériane Ayayi and Noémie Brochant.

Phoenix doubled down on its global approach in the second round, using the 42nd pick on Hungarian guard Eszter Ratkai. Just 19 years old, Ratkai has been turning heads with PEAC-Pécs in Hungary, putting up 8.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game this season. Both draftees bring valuable experience from their respective youth national teams, highlighting the Mercury's focus on players groomed in high-level international systems.

This draft strategy continues a clear pattern from General Manager Nick U'Ren. Faced with a shifting WNBA landscape under a new collective bargaining agreement and a market full of veteran free agents, Phoenix has prioritized securing players with proven professional experience overseas. This approach follows an offseason where the team focused on retaining core veterans like Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and DeWanna Bonner, while seeing star Satou Sabally depart for New York.

With qualifying offers still out to key players like Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack, the Mercury's roster for the 2026 season is still coming together. As training camp approaches on April 19, these two new international prospects will look to earn their spots and bring a fresh, dynamic edge to the court in Phoenix.