WNBA Heads to South Dakota: Phoenix Mercury to Play Preseason Game in Sioux Falls
The Phoenix Mercury will make history next month by playing the first-ever Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) game in the state of South Dakota. The Mercury will face the Chicago Sky at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls on April 25.
Homecoming for Head Coach Nate Tibbetts
The game holds special significance for Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts, a Sioux Falls native. Tibbetts, who was named the 12th head coach in Mercury history in 2024, brings 18 years of professional coaching experience to the team [1]. He led the Mercury to a WNBA Finals appearance in his second season as head coach in 2025 [3].
South Dakota Connections Extend to Coaching Staff
Tibbetts isn’t the only Mercury staff member with ties to South Dakota. Assistant coach Megan Vogel is a former standout player for South Dakota State University (SDSU), where she finished her career as one of the program’s all-time leading scorers.
Youth Basketball Clinic to be Hosted
Prior to the game, the Mercury will host a youth basketball clinic at the Sanford Pentagon on April 24. The camp is open to girls in grades 3-8 and will be led by Mercury players and coaches.
Sanford Pentagon Excited to Host
“Bringing the WNBA to Sioux Falls and the Sanford Pentagon has been a dream of ours for years,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “We want to thank the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury for showcasing the league and the Mercury team to the youth basketball players in our region and our passionate fans at the Pentagon.”
Ticket Information
Game time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale on March 25 at 10 a.m. And can be purchased here.