McIntyre accepts WNBA role

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Fleur McIntyre will become the assistant general manager of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury at the end of NBL24.

Sydney Kings assistant coach Fleur McIntyre is taking her talents to the United States at the culmination of NBL24, and has signed on as the assistant general manager of WNBA side Phoenix Mercury.

The appointment comes off the back of McIntyre winning two titles as an assistant coach under Chase Buford with the Kings, and a guest assistant coaching stint with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Summer League.

McIntyre had previously been linked with potential upcoming vacant coaching roles around the NBL at Adelaide and Illawarra.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joining General Manager Nick U’Ren’s staff alongside Assistant General Manager Monica Wright Rogers is Fleur McIntyre.<br><br>Welcome to The Valley, Fleur! <a href="https://t.co/7KMXHJaK2V">pic.twitter.com/7KMXHJaK2V</a></p>— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury/status/1749935111871881684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been back involved in women’s basketball, but I’ve always followed the WNBA and certainly know the league and the players,” McIntyre said.

“After conversations with the Mercury I asked the Kings ownership [for] permission to interview with the club, which they allowed.

“I also felt really emotional at the possibility of leaving the Kings and this organisation.”

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass has led the congratulations for McIntyre, and he says she’s been a crucial member of the club during its most successful era since the early 2000s.

“Fleur has been such a core part of this organisation for the past three seasons. We would not be where we are without her tactical approach to the game, her calming energy and unwavering commitment to our playing group," Pongrass said.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Fleur in making this jump to the WNBA – her move to a front office role is a testament to her knowledge, experience and ability to create meaningful relationships with those around her.

“I feel truly privileged that we played a role in her development and pathway to achieving such an important role in Phoenix.”

Sydney will continue its NBL title defence on Thursday night against South East Melbourne.