Mercury’s Valériane Ayayi finds plenty to like since arriving to Phoenix
· Yahoo Sports
PHOENIX — French forward Valériane Ayayi has had an interesting first impression since arriving in the Valley to join the Phoenix Mercury, with a level of support and professionalism that has stood out most to her so far.
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Ayayi is no stranger to the WNBA, having previously played one season with the San Antonio Stars in 2015. While her career would steer her away from the league for some time, the forward has found her way back to join the Mercury’s ranks — including a reunion with former EuroLeague teammate Alyssa Thomas.
But beyond familiarity with the W and one of the cornerstones of the club, Ayayi said the organization’s investment in its players has left the strongest impact both on and off the court.
“[The] facilities, I would say,” Ayayi said when asked what had surprised her most. “I would say that’s really like the biggest thing that I’m like, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’ and that this is something serious.”
Phoenix has had a reputation for player investment over the course of its history, including a brand-new training facility that opened in 2024. For Ayayi, the attention to detail has reinforced that reputation around the league.
The care goes beyond the court as well, as the forward also pointed to the people in the organization as another aspect that has stood out to her. It is not the first time a Mercury player has credited the organization for its care and home-like feel, but Ayayi’s comments reinforce that same notion of why the Valley has felt welcoming for players.
“As I already said, I love the people here,” she said. “That’s also a big aspect for me because I’m [a] people person. I’m really into people and the care they have for me; the care for my family is huge for me.”
For a player coming from overseas, trust has already started with the club through early conversations and the eventual signing. But how that trust continues to be built is what shapes the transition into the league and how the team helps along the way.
Ayayi’s comfort level, not just professionally but personally, underscores where Phoenix stands as an organization beyond on-court results. Its willingness to support not only players but also their families has helped ease her transition from France to Arizona.
Still, the day-to-day environment continues to amaze her since her arrival in the Valley.
“But facilities, like as a material thing, are something that I really can feel,” Ayayi said. “I keep sharing [with] my other friends in the [WNBA] and my family in France, and I’m like, ‘You guys have to see this — like this is just huge.'”
In Phoenix, Ayayi says she is already seeing what makes the Mercury more than just a team — it is a place that quickly starts to feel like home.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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