WNBA rescinds Mercury coach Tibbetts’ second technical foul in Game 4 of Finals

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PHOENIX — The WNBA said the second technical foul assessed to Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts in Game 4 of the Finals, which led to his ejection, should not have been called.

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Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports, the league rescinded Tibbetts’ second technical foul over the weekend, more than a week after the championship series concluded.

Over the weekend the WNBA admitted that Phoenix Mercury Coach Nate Tibbetts should NOT have been given a second technical and thrown out of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals so that technical was rescinded.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) October 20, 2025

Tibbetts, who finished his second season with the Mercury, was ejected in the third quarter of Game 4 after receiving two technical fouls from referee Gina Cross following an argument over a foul call against guard Monique Akoa Makani. The ejection came at a critical time for Phoenix, which was down 3-0 in the series and trailing the Las Vegas Aces.

Tibbetts claimed he didn’t understand why he was given a second technical during his post-game presser.

“I think it’s one of the weakest double-techicnals ever,” he said. “I didn’t even know that I got the second one. I don’t understand it, I feel bad for our team [and] our fans. It wasn’t needed, in my opinion… I thought it was bullsh—.”

Fans didn’t think it changed anything, as the Finals had already ended and his ejection couldn’t be overturned.

timely on their part https://t.co/SLwlebszAX

— Lufruentz Dort (@P_Funk36) October 20, 2025

When “better late than never” is 🤬 https://t.co/x9QPUKyXcf

— Mella Reese (@MelodyLanei) October 20, 2025

Ah, great! 🙂 https://t.co/X142AGHK4O

— Erika Day (@erikaleaday) October 20, 2025

The WNBA a little late with this one… https://t.co/f6de6kXk9C

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) October 20, 2025

Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts argues with referee Gina Cross (38) and is ejected during the second half of game four against the Las Vegas Aces of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

This wasn’t the only issue with officiating during the postseason. Many head coaches and players criticized the officiating and blamed a lack of experience for numerous player injuries.

One other instance came during Game 3 of the Mercury and Minnesota Lynx semifinal series on Sept. 26, when Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier rolled her ankle during a play involving Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve charged at the officials, expressing frustration over what she viewed as inconsistent calls throughout the postseason and arguing that a foul should have been called.

Reeve was consequently ejected from the game.

Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve calls the play against the Phoenix Mercury during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

“I want to call for a change of leaderhsip, at the league level, when it comes to officiating,” she said post-game. “This is bad for the game. The officating crew that we had tonight, for the leadership to deem those three people semifinals playoff worthy, is f—ing malpractice.”

Despite the league’s efforts to be transparent and make the correct decision, it came a bit too late. Whether Tibbetts’ ejection influenced the series, it left many questioning the integrity of officiating not only in the championship series but throughout the entire season.

Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Wilson basketball is seen next to WNBA logo before a game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

With the CBA set to expire at the end of October, officiating is sure to be a priority. However, with no word yet on the status of negotiations, officiating might not be the league’s only concern in 2026.

Tibbetts and the Mercury have not released a statement on the WNBA’s decision.