WNBA all-time leading scorer Diana Taurasi has retired after a remarkable 20-season career. The 42-year-old Phoenix Mercury icon, who was renowned for her talent, leadership, and unrelenting passion, has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball that will never be forgotten.
A Legendary Career in Basketball
Taurasi started her career in basketball playing at the University of Connecticut (UConn) where she participated in three-straight NCAA championship titles from 2001 until 2004. Her wonderful ability earned her a spot being chosen as the No. 1 overall choice during the 2004 WNBA Draft from the Phoenix Mercury.
Over the next two decades, she became the face of the franchise, leading the team to three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. She earned numerous accolades, including 10 All-WNBA First Team selections, 14 total All-WNBA honors, and 11 All-Star appearances. In 2009, she was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and won WNBA Finals MVP twice.
Outside of the WNBA, Taurasi also enjoyed an impressive international career. She took home six Euro League championships playing overseas and won six Olympic gold medals, competing with Team USA from 2004 through 2024. Her longevity and playing at an elite level for such a long time established her as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
A Lasting Impact on the Game
Taurasi’s influence on the sport goes far beyond statistics. She was known for her confidence, leadership, and clutch performances. With 10,646 career points, she is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing her closest rival by nearly 3,000 points. Her ability to take over games and perform under pressure earned her the nickname “White Mamba,” a tribute to her fearless style of play.
Most of basketball’s all-time greats have sung her praises. Her former UConn coach Geno Auriemma once referred to her as the “greatest winner in basketball history.” Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia referred to her as “the greatest to have ever played the game,” citing her impact on the team’s identity.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engel Bert also praised her efforts in the league, stating, “Diana has brought passion, charisma, and relentless dedication to the game. Her legacy will inspire generations of players to come.”
Taurasi’s presence also helped the WNBA grow in popularity. Her career spanned a period when women’s basketball gained more visibility, and she played a key role in bringing attention to the league. She was one of the most marketable stars in WNBA history, with endorsements, media appearances, and a fan following that extended far beyond the sport.
Her influence was also experienced globally. As one of the greatest American players abroad, she contributed to the growth of women’s basketball globally. Her EuroLeague dominance made her a favorite among fans in nations such as Russia and Turkey, where she represented premier clubs.
Retirement and Future Plans
Taurasi made the announcement in an interview with Time magazine, calling the decision a moment of satisfaction. “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” she said. “That’s the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
Her retirement signifies the closing of an era for the WNBA, as she departs with a career that is filled with records, championships, and moments that are not easily forgotten.
She is a holder of several WNBA records, such as playoff scoring, field goals, three-pointers, and 30-point games. She also established 16 franchise records with the Mercury, further securing her place in the team’s history.
Off the court, Taurasi will spend time with wife Penny Taylor, a former Mercury teammate, and their two kids. Although she did not lay out future plans, her impact on the sport of basketball should be felt again, whether it is as a coach, mentor, or in some other way.
She is expected to stay engaged with basketball, perhaps as a coach, commentator, or mentor to the next generation of players. With her experience and expertise, she might be a major force in developing the next generation of WNBA and international stars.
As the basketball world reflects on her career, one thing is certain—Diana Taurasi’s name will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Her journey from a college champion to a WNBA legend has left a mark that will inspire athletes for years to come.
