Brief Introduction of Dewanna Bonner
DeWanna Bonner is a distinguished American-Macedonian professional basketball player, currently a dynamic guard-forward for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Renowned for her remarkable versatility, scoring prowess, and longevity, Bonner has solidified her status as one of the league’s most respected and accomplished athletes. A multiple-time WNBA champion and All-Star, she is celebrated for her consistent high-level performance, her unique ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, and her trailblazing role as a mother and an openly LGBTQ+ athlete in professional sports, making her an influential figure both on and off the court.
Dewanna Bonner Overview
| Full Name | DeWanna Bonner |
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Fairfield, Alabama, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Team | Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) |
| Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
| Parents | LaShelle Bonner and Greg McCall |
| Siblings | Erica McCall, Vin’Centia Dewberry, Justin McCall |
| Spouse/Partner | Alyssa Thomas (Fiancée) |
| Ex-Spouse | Candice Dupree |
| Children | Twin daughters, Cali and Demi |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Dewanna Bonner
DeWanna Bonner was born on August 21, 1987, in Fairfield, Alabama, to LaShelle Bonner and Greg McCall. Growing up in a household where basketball was a way of life, her passion for the sport was ignited early on. Her father, Greg McCall, was a former basketball player and coach, providing a foundational knowledge of the game. The competitive and supportive environment was further fueled by her three siblings: sisters Erica McCall and Vin’Centia Dewberry, and brother Justin McCall. Notably, her younger sister Erica also became a professional basketball player, sharing a deep-rooted family connection to the sport.
Bonner attended Fairfield High School, where she quickly distinguished herself as a phenomenal talent. Her skill on the court set her apart, earning her numerous accolades. She was named a McDonald’s and WBCA All-American, participated in their prestigious All-America games, and was honored as the Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year. Her exceptional performance led to her being featured in USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 recruits in 2005. After a standout high school career, Bonner chose to attend Auburn University, where she continued to develop both academically and athletically, majoring in psychology.
Dewanna Bonner’s Career
College Dominance at Auburn
At Auburn University, Bonner’s impact was immediate and profound. As a freshman during the 2005-06 season, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and led the Tigers in scoring with a 13.5 points per game average, a rare feat for a first-year player. Her collegiate career was a showcase of consistent excellence and record-breaking achievements. By the time she graduated, she had rewritten Auburn’s history books, becoming the university’s all-time leading scorer with 2,162 points. She was a dominant force on the boards as well, finishing as the second all-time rebounder with 1,047. In her senior year in 2009, she was named SEC Player of the Year and was a finalist for National Player of the Year honors, earning All-America honors from multiple prestigious outlets.
WNBA Career: A Legacy of Success
Phoenix Mercury (2009–2019)
Bonner’s professional journey began when she was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. She made an instant impact, winning the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award in her rookie season while also helping the Mercury capture the WNBA Championship. This set the tone for a remarkable career, as she went on to win the Sixth Woman of the Year award for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, 2011), a testament to her potent and versatile game off the bench. She won her second WNBA Championship with the Mercury in 2014, by which time she had transitioned into a starting role. During her decade-long first stint in Phoenix, she became a multiple-time All-Star and a franchise cornerstone.
Connecticut Sun (2020–2024)
In February 2020, Bonner was traded to the Connecticut Sun in a significant sign-and-trade deal. Joining the Sun, she immediately took on a leadership role, continuing her All-Star level of play. She led her new team in scoring and was a vital part of their success, guiding them to the WNBA Finals in 2022. During her time with the Sun, she set franchise records, including the most points scored in a single game (41) and a single season (697 in 2023). Her performance earned her an All-WNBA Second Team selection in 2020.
Return to Phoenix (2025-Present)
After brief engagements with the Indiana Fever, Bonner made a celebrated return to the Phoenix Mercury on July 8, 2025. Her homecoming was met with enthusiasm from the fanbase, as she rejoined the team where her legendary career began. Bonner’s veteran leadership and consistent scoring ability were immediately felt, reinforcing her legacy with the franchise.
Overseas Career and National Team
Throughout her WNBA career, Bonner has also played professionally overseas during the offseason, competing in top leagues in Spain, the Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey, and China. This international experience further honed her skills and expanded her global profile. In 2018, she gained Macedonian citizenship and became eligible to play for the North Macedonia national basketball team, adding an international dimension to her illustrious career.
Dewanna Bonner Personal Life & Family
DeWanna Bonner’s personal life has been as impactful as her professional career. She is a proud mother to twin daughters, Cali and Demi, whom she gave birth to in July 2017. Bonner took the 2017 WNBA season off for her pregnancy, a decision that highlighted the unique challenges and triumphs of being a mother in professional sports. The twins were born during her marriage to former WNBA player Candice Dupree. The couple married in 2014 and later divorced, but they remain dedicated co-parents to their daughters.
In February 2021, Bonner announced her relationship with her then-Connecticut Sun teammate, Alyssa Thomas. Their bond deepened, and in July 2023, the couple announced their engagement. Their relationship has been celebrated within the WNBA community, showcasing a powerful partnership between two of the league’s top athletes. Bonner often speaks about how motherhood has given her a new perspective and motivation in her life and career.
Awards and Achievements of Dewanna Bonner
- 2× WNBA Champion (2009, 2014)
- 6× WNBA All-Star (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)
- All-WNBA First Team (2015)
- All-WNBA Second Team (2020)
- 3× WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011)
- WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2015)
- WNBA All-Rookie Team (2009)
- AP Comeback Player of the Year (2018)
- SEC Player of the Year (2009)
- State Farm Coaches All-American (2009)
Dewanna Bonner Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, DeWanna Bonner’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Her primary source of income is her successful and long-standing career in the WNBA, where her career earnings from salaries have exceeded $1.4 million. She has consistently commanded significant contracts, including a one-year deal worth $200,000 for the 2025 season. In addition to her WNBA salary, Bonner’s net worth is supplemented by earnings from her overseas basketball contracts, various endorsement deals with athletic and lifestyle brands like Nike, and brand partnerships.
Legacy and Influence
DeWanna Bonner’s legacy is multifaceted. On the court, she is one of the WNBA’s all-time greatest scorers, currently ranking among the top three in league history. She is one of only two players in WNBA history, alongside Tamika Catchings, to record over 6,000 points, 2,500 rebounds, 900 assists, and 500 steals, showcasing her incredible all-around game. Off the court, her influence is equally significant. As an openly gay athlete and a mother of twins, she has become a role model for many, breaking barriers and promoting visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and working mothers in sports. Her journey has inspired countless athletes and fans, demonstrating that it is possible to balance a high-profile athletic career with a rich and fulfilling family life.
Interesting Facts about Dewanna Bonner
- She shares the same birthday, August 21, with her younger sister and fellow basketball player, Erica McCall.
- She holds the unique distinction of winning the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award in her first three seasons in the league.
- Bonner has a distinctive one-handed shooting style that has been described as looking like a waiter carrying a tray.
- She is one of the few players in WNBA history to win championships with the same team a decade apart.
- Bonner holds dual American and Macedonian citizenship.
Controversies
DeWanna Bonner’s career has been largely free of major controversy. Her brief and mutually agreed-upon departure from the Indiana Fever in 2025 was handled professionally. Bonner expressed that the fit was not right and was subsequently waived, allowing her to sign with her preferred destination, the Phoenix Mercury. The situation was resolved amicably by all parties involved and did not detract from her esteemed reputation in the league.
Social Media Presence
DeWanna Bonner maintains an active presence on social media, where she connects with fans and shares insights into her life as a professional athlete and mother. She uses her platforms to post about her career, her family, and her relationship with fiancée Alyssa Thomas, offering a personal look at her journey. Her authenticity has garnered a strong following, allowing her to engage directly with her supporters and the wider basketball community.
Final Words about Dewanna Bonner
DeWanna Bonner’s journey is a testament to talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication. From a high school prodigy in Alabama to a WNBA legend, she has consistently performed at an elite level for over a decade and a half. Her career is not just defined by championships and statistics but also by her evolution as a player, leader, and person. As she continues her career with the Phoenix Mercury, her focus remains on competing for championships while inspiring the next generation. Her legacy as one of the most versatile, durable, and influential players in WNBA history is firmly cemented.
