Queen of the Court Hangs Up Her Crown: Diana Taurasi Retires After 20 Legendary WNBA Seasons

A chapter has concluded. Diana Taurasi, the brilliant star who transformed women's basketball with her intense competitiveness and exceptional scoring ability, has announced her retirement after an extraordinary 20-year career.1 The 11-time WNBA All-Star and three-time champion, who dedicated her entire professional career to the Phoenix Mercury, shared her decision in an exclusive interview with Time magazine.

"Mentally and physically, I'm just full," Taurasi expressed to Time. "That's probably the best way I can describe it. I'm full and I'm happy."

These words mark the end of an era where Taurasi reached the heights of the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the WNBA and inspiring countless young athletes. From her iconic hair bun to her unwavering confidence, she became a symbol of excellence and dominance.

Taurasi's journey began with a stellar collegiate career at UConn, where she led the Huskies to three consecutive national championships from 2001 to 2004.3 Her transition to the WNBA was smooth, as the Phoenix Mercury selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft.

For two decades, she graced the court with a unique combination of skill and intensity, rewriting the record books along the way. Her career concluded with an impressive 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than any other player in WNBA history. At 42, she remained a formidable presence, even leading the Mercury to the playoffs in her final season.

Beyond her scoring records, Taurasi's legacy is defined by her championship pedigree. She captured three WNBA titles with the Mercury and six Euroleague championships, showcasing her ability to excel on the global stage.

 Her individual accolades include the 2009 WNBA MVP award and two WNBA Finals MVP awards (2009, 2014), placing her among an elite group of multiple-time Finals MVPs.

"Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated. "On behalf of the WNBA family, I thank Diana for everything that she has brought to the WNBA – her passion, her charisma and, most of all, her relentless dedication to the game. She leaves a lasting legacy and the future of the WNBA is in a great position because of her impact, that will be felt for generations to come.”

Taurasi's numerous accolades highlight her consistent excellence. She earned 10 All-WNBA First Team selections and a record 14 total All-WNBA team nods. She was also named an 11-time WNBA All-Star, a four-time USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, and the 2004 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Her dominance extended to the postseason, where she holds records for playoff scoring, field goals, 3-pointers, and 30-point games. She also holds 16 franchise records with the Mercury.

Throughout her career, Taurasi averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Even in her final season, she averaged a commendable 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

As Diana Taurasi steps away from the game, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of basketball players. Her name will forever be synonymous with excellence, competitiveness, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.