Who Is Mercedes Russell?
Mercedes Russell is an American professional basketball player and a veteran WNBA center. Born on July 27, 1995, in Springfield, Oregon, Russell developed into one of the standout post players in women’s college basketball before entering the professional ranks.
The 6-foot-6 center played her college basketball at the University of Tennessee and was selected No. 22 overall by the New York Liberty in the second round of the 2018 WNBA Draft.
Russell subsequently became an important part of the Seattle Storm and won two WNBA championships, in 2018 and 2020.
In August 2026, Russell returned to the WNBA after the Indiana Fever signed her using a season-ending injury exception. The move gives Indiana additional frontcourt size and veteran experience.
Mercedes Russell WNBA Career
Russell entered the WNBA after a highly productive career at Tennessee. New York selected her with the 22nd pick in the 2018 draft, but her most significant WNBA run came with Seattle.
She spent the 2018 through 2024 seasons with the Seattle Storm. During that period, she developed into a reliable interior player who could rebound, finish around the basket and provide defensive size.
Russell was part of Seattle’s championship teams in 2018 and 2020, making her a two-time WNBA champion.
She later played for the Los Angeles Sparks before returning to the league with Indiana in 2026. Her international career has also been notable, particularly her time with Australia’s Southside Flyers.
Mercedes Russell Stats
According to the official WNBA player profile, Russell has career averages of:
| Statistic | Career |
|---|---|
| Points | 4.6 PPG |
| Rebounds | 3.8 RPG |
| Assists | 0.9 APG |
| Games | 209 |
| Position | Center |
| Field-goal percentage | 52.1% |
Her WNBA career numbers show the role she has generally played: an interior-focused center who contributes efficiently around the basket and helps on the boards.
Her 2024 season with Seattle included 37 games and six starts. She averaged 3.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 15.7 minutes per game.
How Tall Is Mercedes Russell?
Mercedes Russell is 6 feet 6 inches tall (198 cm).
Her height is one of her biggest advantages on the basketball court. At 6-foot-6, she can defend the paint, compete for rebounds and provide a large target near the basket.
The WNBA lists Russell at 6-6 and 195 pounds.
Mercedes Russell Age
Mercedes Russell was born on July 27, 1995.
As of August 2026, she is 31 years old.
She entered the WNBA at 22 after being selected in the 2018 draft and has built a career that includes multiple championships and international success.
Mercedes Russell Parents
Mercedes Russell’s parents are Tammy Hill and Lorenzo Russell.
The WNBA’s official biography identifies both Tammy Hill and Lorenzo Russell as her parents.
Russell was born and raised in Springfield, Oregon, and attended Springfield High School before becoming a major college basketball prospect.
Mercedes Russell at Tennessee
Russell’s college career at Tennessee helped establish her as one of the country’s top centers.
During her senior season, she averaged 15.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 58.3% from the field.
She finished her Tennessee career with more than 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds. She also ranked among the school’s all-time leaders in rebounds and blocked shots.
Her college résumé included First Team All-SEC recognition and All-American honors.
Mercedes Russell Championships
Russell has won two WNBA championships.
She was part of the Seattle Storm’s championship teams in:
- 2018
- 2020
Those titles remain among the biggest accomplishments of her professional career.
Russell has also experienced championship success overseas. With Southside Flyers in Australia, she helped the team win the 2024 WNBL Championship and was named Grand Final MVP.
Mercedes Russell Overseas Career
Russell has played professional basketball outside the United States as well.
Her overseas résumé includes stops with:
- Wisla Can Pack in Poland
- Galatasaray
- Southside Flyers in Australia
Her 2023-24 campaign with Southside was particularly impressive. She averaged 14.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 block per game over 27 games, earning All-WNBL First Team recognition.
She then helped Southside win the WNBL title and earned Grand Final MVP honors.
Mercedes Russell and the Indiana Fever
One of the biggest recent developments in Russell’s career came in August 2026.
The Indiana Fever signed Russell as a season-ending injury exception after Damiris Dantas suffered a torn meniscus. Russell brings championship experience and additional size to Indiana’s frontcourt.
The move also reunites Russell with a WNBA environment in which her experience can be valuable late in the season.
The 6-foot-6 center is expected to provide depth, rebounding and interior defense.
Does Mercedes Russell Have a Wife?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Mercedes Russell has a wife.
Russell generally keeps her personal life private, and the official WNBA biography focuses on her basketball career and family background rather than a spouse or marriage.
Therefore, claims online that identify a wife should be treated cautiously unless they are supported by a reliable source or a direct public statement from Russell.
Mercedes Russell Personal Life
Although Russell has become well known through basketball, she has maintained a relatively private profile away from the court.
The WNBA confirms that she graduated from Tennessee with a degree in communications studies.
Her public career has largely centered on basketball, including her WNBA championships, Tennessee career and international achievements.
Career Highlights
Some of Russell’s most notable achievements include:
- Two-time WNBA champion
- 2018 WNBA Draft No. 22 overall pick
- 6-foot-6 WNBA center
- Tennessee standout
- First Team All-SEC selection
- More than 1,500 Tennessee career points
- More than 1,000 Tennessee career rebounds
- 2024 WNBL champion
- 2024 WNBL Grand Final MVP
- WNBL All-First Team selection
FAQs
How tall is Mercedes Russell?
Mercedes Russell is 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall.
How old is Mercedes Russell?
She was born July 27, 1995, making her 31 years old in August 2026.
What position does Mercedes Russell play?
Russell plays center.
Who are Mercedes Russell’s parents?
Her parents are Tammy Hill and Lorenzo Russell.
How many WNBA championships has Mercedes Russell won?
She has won two WNBA championships, in 2018 and 2020 with the Seattle Storm.
What are Mercedes Russell’s career WNBA stats?
She has career averages of 4.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game across 209 games.
Does Mercedes Russell have a wife?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Mercedes Russell is married to a wife. Her personal life is largely private.
Final Takeaway
Mercedes Russell has built an impressive basketball résumé through a combination of size, rebounding and interior play. The 6-foot-6 center became a two-time WNBA champion with Seattle, starred at Tennessee and later achieved international success with Southside Flyers.
Her latest WNBA chapter began in August 2026 when the Indiana Fever signed Russell as a season-ending injury exception. With 209 career WNBA games and two championship rings, she brings valuable experience to Indiana’s frontcourt.
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