Diana Taurasi, a legend in women’s basketball, has officially announced her retirement after an extraordinary 20-year career in the WNBA.
Recognized as one of the sport’s greatest players, the 42-year-old dedicated her entire professional career to the Phoenix Mercury, leading the team to three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. She holds the record as the league’s all-time top scorer, amassing 10,646 points—nearly 3,000 more than the next highest scorer, Tina Charles.
Beyond her WNBA success, Taurasi played a key role in the U.S. women’s national basketball team, winning six consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2004 to 2024—more than any other player in Olympic basketball history. She also competed in European leagues, securing six EuroLeague titles with teams like Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and UMMC Ekaterinburg.
Taurasi typically begins training four months before the WNBA season, but last month, she realized it was time to step away from the game.
“Mentally and physically, I’m full,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Time. “That’s the best way to put it. I’m full, and I’m happy.”
A California native, Taurasi first made her mark at UConn, where she led the team to three straight NCAA championships. In 2004, she was the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft and won Rookie of the Year in her debut season. The following year, she earned the first of her 11 All-Star selections.
When asked if she considers herself the greatest of all time, Taurasi responded, “I have a résumé. It’s not up to me to judge it.” She added, “One day, someone with the same hunger and love for basketball will come along and break my records. That’s the beauty of sports.”
The Phoenix Mercury honored Taurasi in a heartfelt message, saying, “She didn’t just wear the jersey – she built our franchise. She played the game, then changed it forever. Thank you will never be enough.”
Her standout season came in 2009, when she was named both WNBA regular-season MVP and Finals MVP, leading the league in scoring and securing a championship. She became only the second player, after Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, to achieve all four honors in a single season.
Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia called her “the greatest to ever play the game,” praising her leadership, impact on the franchise, and contribution to basketball.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert echoed this sentiment, thanking Taurasi for her “passion, charisma, and relentless dedication,” adding that her influence will shape the league for generations.
As Taurasi reflected on her journey, she expressed gratitude for everyone who contributed to the WNBA’s growth. Speaking to Mercury fans after her final regular-season game in 2024, she said, “If this is the last time, it felt like the first time.”
