his first-of-its-kind league was founded by the Phoenix Mercury in partnership with the Valley of the Sun YMCA to create opportunity for girls in basketball. In just three sessions, the Jr. Mercury Legacy League has grown from 80 participants in four YMCA locations to over 400 participants in nine YMCAs across The Valley. The league launched this year to commemorate the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Its inception marks a milestone in expanding access in the sport for women, a focus of the Mercury, Phoenix Suns and owner Mat Ishbia.