Former Phoenix Mercury Interim Coach Nikki Blue Files Discrimination Lawsuit

Nikki Blue, former interim head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, has filed a federal lawsuit against the team alleging racial and gender discrimination, unequal pay, and retaliation after she raised concerns about her treatment during the 2023 season. Blue, who is Black, claims she was paid significantly less than her white predecessors and successor, earning $250,000 compared to Vanessa Nygaard's $375,000 and Nate Tibbetts' reported salary of over $1 million. The lawsuit also alleges that the Mercury deliberately set her up to fail by making roster decisions that rendered the team noncompetitive. Despite her 7-21 record as interim coach, Blue argues she was denied the opportunity to continue leading the team. The Mercury and Suns organizations have strongly denied the allegations, questioning the credibility of Blue's attorney, Sheree Wright, who has previously faced disciplinary actions. Blue's legal team frames the lawsuit as part of a broader issue of institutional barriers faced by Black women in sports leadership roles.