The Phoenix Mercury made a roster move ahead of the 2025 WNBA season, announcing that Helena Pueyo will not be playing for them—or any other team—this year. The update came Friday, just days before their final preseason matchup against the Golden State Valkyries.
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The team did not specify why Pueyo chose to sit out, only noting that it was a personal decision. As stated in the release: “Former Arizona Wildcat and Casademont Zaragoza guard Helena Pueyo will not play for the Phoenix Mercury this season due to a personal decision.” The Mercury will retain her rights indefinitely, giving them the flexibility to either sign or release her if she chooses to return to the league.
Prior to this, Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts reflected on the uncertainty of her availability, saying, “It’s a weird feeling. You want them to do well, but part of you wants them to lose so they’re here, right? Which is messed up.”
Pueyo was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in the second round in 2024 but was waived shortly before the season began and never appeared in a game. Around the same time, she signed with Basket Zaragoza in Spain’s Liga ACB.
While at Arizona, Pueyo wasn’t known for high scoring. Over five seasons, she averaged 25.8 minutes per game, posting 5.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
