Lightning star signs WNBA deal with Mercury

Adelaide Lightning import Maddy Westbeld will finish the WNBA season with the Phoenix Mercury after recently signing a contract with the club.

Westbeld, who was on a development player deal with Chicago, joins the Mercury after they put in an offer sheet, which was not matched by the Sky. The 24-year-old, who is the sister of injured Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (ACL), made three appearances for the Sky this season.

The forward was drafted 16th overall by the Sky in 2025 and averaged 13.6 minutes per game in her rookie season in Chicago, where she put up 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds, while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc. But this year, Westbeld was waived and later signed to a developmental contract.

Prior to her professional career, Westbeld was a standout at Notre Dame, having averaged 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across five seasons, while shooting 34.9% from beyond the arc.

Westbeld, who committed to the Lightning in July, and her Adelaide side open their WNBL27 season against Sydney at Quaycentre on October 18.