The starting lineup of Tia Jackson, Toni Foster, Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis and Michele Timms takes the floor on opening night and Bridget Pettis scores the first basket in franchise history. The Phoenix Mercury play their first game in team history, defeating the Charlotte Sting, 76-59 at America West Arena in Phoenix in front of 16,102 fans.
Miller goes on to coach the team for four seasons and compiles a record of 70-52 (.574) and three playoff appearances. The team is officially named the Mercury on February 14, 1997.Ĭheryl Miller, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, is named the first head coach and general manager in Phoenix Mercury history. The WNBA announces the eight teams to complete in its inaugural season in 1997 and Phoenix is awarded a franchise.
