DeWanna Bonner
Biography
DeWanna Bonner was born in Fairfield, Alabama, and played college basketball at Auburn University. She became one of the most accomplished players in Auburn women's basketball history before entering the WNBA as the fifth overall selection in the 2009 draft.
Bonner began her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury and helped the team win championships in 2009 and 2014. She established herself as one of the league's most versatile and durable players and became the only three-time WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, winning the award in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
After her first Phoenix tenure, Bonner played for the Connecticut Sun from 2020 through 2024. She joined the Indiana Fever in 2025 before returning to Phoenix later that year. In 2026, she entered her 17th WNBA season and her 12th season with the Mercury.
Bonner has also built an extensive international career, playing professionally in Europe and Asia and earning honors including EuroLeague and domestic league recognition.
Beyond basketball, Bonner's public life has contributed to the visibility of queer women in professional sports. She was previously married to fellow WNBA player Candice Dupree, with whom she has twin daughters, and is engaged to fellow WNBA player Alyssa Thomas. Their relationship has been publicly documented, including through CBS's LGBTQ Love Stories series.
In 2024, Auburn retired Bonner's No. 24 jersey, recognizing her historic collegiate career. She remains one of the WNBA's all-time statistical leaders, ranking third in career scoring and first in postseason rebounds.
BQW Impact
Bonner's career contributes to the visibility of Black queer women in professional sports. Her sustained presence at the highest level of women's basketball demonstrates the range of lives and identities represented within the WNBA while challenging the expectation that elite athletes must separate their personal identities from their public careers.
Her longevity, championship success, and status as one of the WNBA's all-time statistical leaders make her significance extend beyond queer representation alone. She represents a substantial part of the history of women's professional basketball while living openly as a queer Black woman.
Notable Works
WNBA Career (2009)
Bonner was selected fifth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2009 WNBA Draft and has played for Phoenix, Connecticut, and Indiana.
Phoenix Mercury (2009 - 2019, 2025)
Bonner spent the first 10 years of her WNBA career with Phoenix before returning to the franchise in 2025.
Connecticut Sun (2020 - 2024)
Bonner played five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, helping the franchise reach the 2022 WNBA Finals.
Auburn Tigers (2005 - 2009)
Bonner played college basketball at Auburn, where she became the school's all-time leading scorer.
Learn More
Official league profile and career record.
Auburn's coverage of Bonner's jersey retirement.
LGBTQ+ Love Stories feature on Bonner and Alyssa Thomas.
Coverage of Bonner and Thomas's engagement.