Diana Taurasi Announces Retirement After Legendary 20-Season WNBA Career
Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most decorated players in basketball history, has announced her retirement after a 20-season career with the Phoenix Mercury. The 42-year-old guard revealed her decision in an exclusive interview with TIME, stating, “Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
Taurasi’s career is unparalleled in women’s basketball. She retires as the WNBA’s all-time leader in points (10,646), three-pointers made, and free throws made. She led the Mercury to three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014), earning Finals MVP honors twice. Her accolades also include the 2009 WNBA MVP award, 11 All-Star selections, and three NCAA championships during her time at the University of Connecticut.
Internationally, Taurasi’s legacy is equally remarkable. She won six Olympic gold medals with Team USA, an all-time record for a basketball player, and never lost a game in Olympic competition. She also claimed six EuroLeague titles and seven Russian National League championships during her 12-year overseas career.
Taurasi’s impact on the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole is immeasurable. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised her as “one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game,” crediting her with helping to grow the league and inspire future generations. Known for her confidence, flair, and competitive spirit, Taurasi became a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring players, including current WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who called her a “legend” upon hearing the news.
As she steps away from the game, Taurasi leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a league that is stronger than ever. She plans to focus on spending time with her family, including her wife, former teammate Penny Taylor, and their two children. While she admits she will miss the competition and camaraderie of basketball, Taurasi is content with her decision, saying, “I’m going to miss the bus rides, shootarounds, the inside jokes. All those things, I’ll deeply miss.”
Exclusive: WNBA Star Diana Taurasi Announces Her Retirement
“Mentally and physically, I’m just full ... I’m full and I’m happy.”
time.com
WNBA legend Diana Taurasi announces retirement
Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, finished her career as the league's all-time leading scorer.
www.nbcnews.com
Diana Taurasi, 6-time Olympic gold medalist and the WNBA's top scorer, will retire
Taurasi leaves her basketball career as the most decorated woman to ever play, with three WNBA titles, three NCAA titles and six Olympic gold medals t
www.npr.org
Women’s basketball icon Diana Taurasi retires after 20 WNBA seasons
Arguably the greatest WNBA player ever, Taurasi holds a slew of league and Phoenix Mercury records, and she won an unprecedented six Olympic gold meda
www.washingtonpost.com
Sports world reacts to Diana Taurasi's retirement
When a legend retires, everyone takes notice, and that is exactly what happened when Diana Taurasi announced her retirement on Tuesday.
arizonasports.com
Fantasy Hockey News - Advice, Stats, Sleepers, Rankings and more - The Athletic
Breaking Fantasy Hockey news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player
www.nytimes.com