PHOENIX, AZ — [July 3, 2025] — Nikki Blue, a decorated Black former WNBA player and seasoned NCAA coach who served as both an Assistant Coach and Interim Head Coach of the Phoenix Mercury, has filed a federal lawsuit against the team, alleging racial and gender discrimination, unequal pay, and retaliation. The complaint—filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona—details the organization’s longstanding toxic culture and claims that Ms. Blue was ousted and replaced by a white male with no WNBA experience who was reportedly paid four times her salary.
The lawsuit alleges that after years of systemic abuse under former owner Robert Sarver—who was fined and suspended by the NBA for racist and misogynistic conduct—the Mercury’s new ownership under Mat Ishbia promised change. But for Ms. Blue, that promise never materialized. Instead, she became a casualty of the same discriminatory practices.
Behind closed doors, the Mercury’s leadership set Ms. Blue up to fail. Despite her extensive qualifications, including a decorated WNBA and NCAA coaching background, she was underpaid from the outset and repeatedly excluded from key decisions. When she took over as interim Head Coach in 2023, she was paid significantly less than her white predecessor and successor. The team then withheld proper support, saddled her with an incomplete roster, and ignored her repeated requests for equitable treatment.
“Despite her exemplary record and professionalism, Ms. Blue was cast aside, demeaned, and denied the opportunity to lead,” said Mesidor PLLC, co-counsel on the case. “This lawsuit is not just about one woman’s career—it’s about the pervasive, institutional disrespect for Black women in sports leadership.”
The complaint outlines that Ms. Blue was offered just $250,000 as interim Head Coach—far less than the $375,000 salary earned by her white predecessor. Her replacement, Nate Tibbetts, a white male with no WNBA coaching experience, was reportedly offered over $1 million, making him the highest-paid coach in league history. Blue’s demands for transparency were met with resistance, and when she voiced concerns about unequal treatment, she was abruptly fired. Within hours, internal rumors falsely painted her as "angry"—a racist trope that undermined her professionalism and further damaged her reputation.
The complaint also alleges that Blue was pressured to facilitate a trade of a pregnant player against league guidelines, was excluded from team celebrations, and forced to coach with incomplete player rosters—all while being deliberately denied the opportunity to succeed. The lawsuit asserts violations of Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and Ms. Blue intends to amend the complaint to add Title VII, Equal Pay Act, and Arizona Civil Rights Act claims once her right-to-sue notice is issued.
Blue seeks compensatory and punitive damages, back and front pay, and a declaratory judgment against the Phoenix Mercury.
About Mesidor PLLC
Mesidor PLLC is more than a law firm—it is a movement committed to dismantling workplace discrimination so completely that its own services become obsolete. The firm combines rigorous legal strategy with trauma-informed client care, advocating for workers facing injustices based on race, gender, age, disability, and other protected characteristics. Beyond the courtroom, Mesidor PLLC ignites systemic change through public education and mentorship, cultivating the next generation of civil rights advocates.
About IBF Law Group, PLLC
IBF Law Group, PLLC is a diverse, client-focused law firm with a mission to provide innovative, justice-driven legal advocacy for individuals facing discrimination and immigration challenges. Known for its fearless approach to high-impact litigation, the firm empowers clients through personalized strategies and a deep commitment to equity, dignity, and results. IBF’s impact doesn’t stop there—the firm also provides strategic legal counsel across a range of practice areas, including personal injury, divorce, business strategy, entertainment, and sports law.
**CONTACT:**
Briana Willis
Engagement and Impact Strategist
Mesidor PLLC
bw@marjoriemesidor.com
(631)759-5561