SPORT

SHOCKING DECISION BY JOVANA NOGIĆ: Serbian Star Leaves the WNBA for Russia After an Incredible Start to the Season!

by Serbian Times22. June 2026.22. June 2026.

Serbian national team player Jovana Nogić has been temporarily “suspended” by the Phoenix Mercury, the club confirmed through the official WNBA transaction list.

Nogić, who arrived in the WNBA after several impressive seasons in European basketball, signed a two-year contract with Phoenix last summer. At the same time, she remained under contract with Russian powerhouse UMMC Yekaterinburg and quickly became one of the biggest surprises of the season.

In 16 games so far, she averaged 10.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Her start in the world’s strongest women’s basketball league was particularly impressive.

She scored 19 points in her debut against the Las Vegas Aces, and just a few days later exploded for 27 points against the Chicago Sky, setting a WNBA record for the most points scored in a single game by an undrafted rookie.

Nogić is currently Phoenix’s third-leading scorer behind Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, making her absence a significant blow for a team fighting for a top position in the standings.

The Serbian guard was not in the lineup for the game against the Seattle Storm, and head coach Nate Tibbetts explained that she was away from the team for personal reasons.

According to Sport Klub, Nogić requested and received a temporary freeze of her contract with Phoenix in order to rest this summer and continue her career in Russia during a season in which she is expected to lead the Serbian national team in the qualifiers for EuroBasket 2027.

This means that her WNBA career has effectively been put on hold until next season. Her salary will continue to count against the club’s salary cap, while her roster spot will remain reserved for her upon her return. The basketball calendar works in her favor in that regard.

Unlike European leagues, the WNBA season is played during the summer, running from May through the end of September.

The Russian championship operates on the opposite schedule, traditionally beginning in early October and ending in late April or early May.

If Yekaterinburg successfully defends its title, Nogić’s commitments in Russia should conclude around the time Phoenix Mercury begins preparations for the 2027 season. According to the agreement reached this June, the Serbian star’s career in the world’s premier women’s basketball league will then be “unfrozen.”

The “temporary suspension” designation allows Phoenix to free up a roster spot and sign another player while Nogić is away.