{
  "id": 2011039,
  "title": "The Phoenix Mercury just added a standout wing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/the-phoenix-mercury-just-added-a-standout-wing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T19:21:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1125461/phoenix-mercury-maddy-westbeld"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Maddy Westbeld, a standout forward from Notre Dame, has just signed a rest-of-season contract with the Phoenix Mercury, marking a significant opportunity for the 6'3\" 16th overall draft pick. Westbeld, who averaged 13.6 minutes per game in her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, averaged 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in her first year. Despite limited playing time this season, Westbeld's skills as a three-point shooter, shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc, and her All-ACC honors, make her a valuable addition to the Mercury. The Mercury are currently 13-23 and 7 games behind the Dallas Wings, who hold the final playoff spot. As the season progresses, Westbeld could see increased playing time as the team focuses on development and attempting to re-sign guard Kelsey Plum.",
  "summary": "It’s been an up-and-down couple of years for Maddy Westbeld, who began her WNBA career in the Chicago Sky’s rotation last year but has seen more limited opportunities this season as a developmental contract player. Now, Westbeld has signed a rest-of-season contract with the Phoenix Mercury, meaning that a greater on-court role could be looming. […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}