Wed Sep 03 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Phoenix Mercury’s X-Factor: A Fan Base Like No Other in Arizona**

**PHOENIX, AZ** – Forget the stale stereotypes and the whispers of “wokeness.” A Phoenix Mercury game is a vibrant, inclusive, and electrifying experience unlike any other in Arizona sports, fueled by the team’s fiercely loyal fanbase, known as the X-Factor.

The X-Factor brought in 15,000 strong to PHX Arena, in a mélange that includes lesbian couples, straight couples and enough little kids to fill up several playgrounds.

“The X-Factor is No. 1 in the league, period,” exclaimed Mercury guard Kahleah Copper after a recent 83-79 victory over the Chicago Sky. “I think it’s very hard to play here. I think our fans are very engaged, whether we’re doing good or not…Down the stretch, they were extra loud, talking trash, getting with the refs, everything. Shout out to the X-Factor.”

Unlike other professional sports in the state, where visiting teams often boast significant fan representation, Mercury games are dominated by fans clad in the home team’s colors. Even when stars like Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese come to town, the atmosphere remains firmly pro-Mercury.

“It’s a healthy basketball environment,” said Reese. “These are just straight basketball fans. You don’t hear negativity. Obviously, fans are gonna be fans as far as they want to cheer for their own team, but I feel the love here…They just care straight-up about basketball. That’s what you want.”

The WNBA is experiencing record attendance this season, drawing over 2.5 million fans across the league. The X-Factor are diehard fans, who have been coming back for decades. Talli Ruksas, a season ticket holder since 1998 expressed her initial concern that she wouldn’t be able to get attached to the new players, but came to find that she loves this new team as well.

The bond between the Mercury and their fans is palpable. From unique call-and-response chants to the “Honk! Honk!” celebration for Natasha Mack’s scores, the X-Factor is an integral part of the game-day experience. They stand on their feet before tipoff until the Mercury score, and the players openly acknowledge and appreciate the support.

“It means a lot,” said Dunigan, a long-time season ticket holder. “It means we’re appreciated.”

As the regular season winds down, the Phoenix Mercury and their X-Factor invite everyone to experience the unique atmosphere and unwavering support that makes a Mercury game a must-see event in Arizona.

**Contact:**
[Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @SayingMoore.]

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