Mercedes Russell Bio
Mercedes Brianna Russell (born July 27, 1995) is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent. She was drafted 22nd overall by the New York Liberty in the 2018 WNBA draft and has built a versatile career across multiple leagues since then. A center standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, she is best known for her work as a rim protector and rebounder.
After starring at the University of Tennessee, Russell has competed in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), and internationally in Turkey. She has captured championships at the professional level with multiple franchises, establishing herself as a dependable post player and role player throughout her career.
Early Life and Background
Mercedes Brianna Russell was born on July 27, 1995, in Springfield, Oregon, USA. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where she developed an early interest in basketball and other sports. Her size and athleticism were evident from a young age, and she quickly became a standout in local youth leagues.
Russell attended Springfield High School in Springfield, Oregon, where she emerged as one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country. During her senior year, she was named the 2013 Gatorade Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year, recognizing her as the best high school player in the United States. That same year, she was also named the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP, further cementing her status as an elite recruit.
Her performances in high school drew attention from several major college basketball programs, and she ultimately chose to continue her career at the University of Tennessee. The Lady Volunteers had a long tradition of producing top-tier post players, and Russell saw an opportunity to develop her game under one of the most respected coaching staffs in college basketball.
Path to Basketball
Russell joined the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, where she played center during her collegiate career. The Lady Volunteers program, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, has historically been one of the premier destinations for top post players in women’s college basketball. Russell’s decision to attend Tennessee allowed her to compete at a high level while refining her skills against elite competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Throughout her time at Tennessee, she developed into a dominant interior presence, showcasing her shot-blocking ability, rebounding, and finishing around the rim. By her senior season, her contributions were recognized with a selection to the First-team All-SEC in 2018, highlighting her status as one of the top players in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
Following the conclusion of her college career, Russell declared for the 2018 WNBA Draft, where she was selected 22nd overall by the New York Liberty. Her path from a high school prodigy in Oregon to a first-round WNBA talent was the result of years of consistent development and strong performances at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Mercedes Russell Career
Early Career (2018)
Mercedes Brianna Russell’s professional career began when she was drafted in the second round, 22nd overall, by the New York Liberty in the 2018 WNBA Draft. After making her WNBA debut with the Liberty, she was waived and quickly picked up by the Seattle Storm, where she joined a roster stacked with talent including Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Natasha Howard.
Her rookie season with the Storm proved to be a remarkable introduction to professional basketball. Russell contributed as a reserve center and post player, helping the team capture a WNBA Championship in her first professional season. The victory marked the beginning of a successful run with the Storm franchise that would last several years.
WNBA Breakthrough (2018-2024)
Russell played with the Seattle Storm from 2018 to 2024, becoming a familiar presence in the team’s frontcourt rotation. During her tenure with the Storm, she contributed to additional championship runs, including the 2020 WNBA Championship. Her work as a role player, rebounder, and interior defender helped stabilize the Storm’s bench unit during one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.
Beyond her championship contributions, Russell was part of the Storm team that won the 2021 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, adding another team accomplishment to her resume. Her consistent production and professionalism made her a valued member of the Storm organization throughout her six seasons there.
On February 11, 2025, Russell signed with the Los Angeles Sparks as a free agent, beginning a new chapter in her WNBA career. However, her time with the Sparks was brief, as she was waived on July 12, 2025, returning her to free agency.
International Career (2019-2024)
In 2019, Russell expanded her professional basketball career overseas, signing with the Southside Flyers in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). The Flyers were a newly rebranded franchise, and Russell joined a roster featuring notable players such as Leilani Mitchell and Jenna O’Hea. Her time in Australia provided her with an opportunity to continue developing her game during the WNBA offseason.
Russell later played internationally for Galatasaray in Turkey during the 2020-2021 period, adding another layer to her global basketball experience. She continued her association with the Southside Flyers, and during the 2023-24 WNBL season, she helped the team capture the WNBL championship while earning Grand Final MVP honors.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Mercedes Brianna Russell’s career came during her rookie season with the Seattle Storm in 2018, when she won a WNBA Championship in her first year as a professional. She added a second WNBA title with the Storm in 2020, and in 2021, was part of the team that claimed the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. In 2024, she added an international title by winning the WNBL championship with the Southside Flyers, where she was also named Grand Final MVP, making it one of the most decorated stretches of her career.
Mercedes Russell Career Wins
Mercedes Brianna Russell has compiled a well-rounded collection of championships across multiple professional leagues. Her two WNBA Championships with the Seattle Storm (2018 and 2020), combined with a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title in 2021, demonstrate her ability to contribute to winning teams at the highest level of women’s basketball in the United States.
WNBA Highlights
During her time with the Seattle Storm from 2018 to 2024, Russell was part of two WNBA Championship-winning teams and a Commissioner’s Cup-winning squad. Her role as a reliable reserve center and rebounder helped the Storm maintain their status as one of the WNBA’s top franchises throughout that era.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond her WNBA accomplishments, Russell achieved significant success in Australia’s WNBL, winning the 2024 championship with the Southside Flyers and earning Grand Final MVP honors for her performance in the title game. Her championship pedigree extends across continents, reflecting her adaptability and consistent contribution to winning teams.
Mercedes Russell Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Mercedes Brianna Russell’s family background is limited. She was raised in Springfield, Oregon, and has generally kept details about her personal and family life private throughout her professional basketball career. Her focus has consistently remained on her development as a player and her contributions to her teams.
Russell’s personal life details, including marital status and children, are not publicly documented in verified sources. She has maintained a relatively private profile off the court, with her social media presence offering limited insight into her personal affairs.
2025 Season Performance
Mercedes Brianna Russell began the 2025 WNBA season as a free agent after spending the previous six seasons with the Seattle Storm. On February 11, 2025, she signed with the Los Angeles Sparks, marking her first team change since her early career and representing a fresh opportunity to contribute to a rebuilding franchise.
Her time with the Sparks, however, proved short-lived. On July 12, 2025, Russell was waived by the team, returning her to free agency midway through the season. The decision reflected the Sparks’ evolving roster plans as they continued their competitive rebuild.
Now back in free agency, Russell’s professional future remains open. With her championship experience across the WNBA and WNBL, she remains a viable option for teams seeking an experienced post player. Whether she returns to the WNBA, explores another international opportunity, or considers retirement, her extensive resume and two professional championships make her a valuable addition to any roster in need of frontcourt depth.