Diana Taurasi Retires From The WNBA After 20 Seasons

Even the most prominent and highly-esteemed careers have to reach the end. Although it’s never easy saying goodbye to the game they love, the all-time greats know when it’s time.

For the WNBA’s greatest competitor and ambassador, that time has arrived.

Diana Taurasi, a basketball icon and staple in women’s sports across the world, announced her retirement from the WNBA Tuesday in an interview with Sean Gregory of TIME.

While it seemed inevitable the 2024 season would serve as her curtain call, there was still a glimpse of hope Taurasi would run it back and try for one more deep playoff run. Her silence over the last five months certainly left fans guessing.

In the article, she revealed her decision was made in early January, which is usually around the time she hits the gym to prepare for the upcoming season. At 42 years old, Taurasi knew she didn’t want to be halfway in. If she wasn’t capable of giving it her all for an entire 40-game season, the answer was clear. That approach wouldn’t be fair to her teammates. “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” she told TIME.

Taurasi didn’t want a retirement tour last season, which many athletes view as a distraction from the team’s larger goal of chasing a title.

Instead, she’s going out like Tim Duncan did in 2016, a commendable way to end her 20-year journey.

After the news dropped, Mercury owner Mat Ishbia made sure to note that she’s not just a basketball legend – she was Phoenix’s legend from start to finish.

“Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game,” Ishbia said. “I’ve been a fan of her my entire life, and she is the ultimate leader and teammate. She’s had an incredible impact on our franchise, our community and the game of basketball. Her name is synonymous with the Phoenix Mercury and she will forever be part of our family.”

His comments were echoed by Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren, who entered the front office less than two years ago. After watching most of Taurasi’s career from afar, U’Ren has now been able to see her offseason grind and preparation up close.

“Diana’s impact on our organization and league, the championships, and her countless accolades speak for themselves, but what will always stand out to me is her unmatched work ethic, dedication to her craft and passion for the game,” U’Ren said. “She put in countless hours while no one was watching and she never took any shortcuts. I have tremendous respect and admiration for her – as a fan, as a colleague and as a friend. I am incredibly grateful for the friendship we have built over the years.”

The accolades are almost never-ending. Reading them aloud is impossible without needing a glass of water. She’s a three-time WNBA champion, helping raise three banners for the Mercury in 2007, 2009, and 2014. She was named an All-Star 11 times, two shy of Sue Bird’s record for the most in WNBA history.

In her 20 seasons, Taurasi received All-WNBA honors 14 times, with 10 of those being First Team selections. Both of those are WNBA records. She also won the 2009 MVP award and captured the WNBA scoring title five different times. Her all-time scoring mark of 10,646 regular season points won’t be touched for many years. Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson will surely be on the prowl, but she’s not even halfway there at this point.

Standing out as the most impressive feat, though, is her 3-point volume. Taurasi connected on 1,447 threes during her remarkable career, which is nearly 45% more than the next-highest total (Bird). She was among the first that truly embraced the new age of analytics and the philosophy that shooting off-the-dribble threes yielded quality possessions.

That’s just one of the many ways she influenced and enhanced women’s basketball, leaving the game in a much better place than when she entered in 2004.

Taurasi played 638 career games, including her playoff appearances. She finishes second all-time in total minutes played, only 347 behind Bird’s record of 20,050 minutes on the court.

Arguments can be made for other WNBA icons as ‘better’ individual talents. But, for now, the question of who’s had the perfect blend of prime performance and extended greatness should be stopped at the door.

Because there is no debate. Taurasi’s longevity is unmatched, evidenced by her 25 total games with 20-plus points after the age of 40. Nobody else has more than two.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also issued a statement after Taurasi’s decision became public, citing her big-time moments that undeniably elevated the WNBA in popularity.

“Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage,” Engelbert said. “In a record-setting career that saw her play 20 seasons, score more points than any player in WNBA history, she has earned the unquestioned respect of players around the globe, delivered electrifying moments and captivated fans again and again. On behalf of the WNBA family, I thank Diana for everything 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.”

Outside of her WNBA accomplishments, Taurasi will be remembered for helping Team USA win six gold medals throughout her Olympic career – just another testament to her durability and competitive spirit that almost felt inhuman.

Taurasi is one of many unbelievable talents to come from the UConn women’s basketball pipeline. She won three national championships under head coach Geno Auriemma from 2002 to 2004, being recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament in two of those title runs.

Auriemma praised her commitment to being a great teammate, while also making it clear that nobody is more responsible for advancing women’s basketball than Taurasi:

Over the last two decades, she’s been the most respected figure and voice of the WNBA. Before his passing, Kobe Bryant would routinely mention Taurasi as the most polished player in women’s hoops and praise her killer instinct.

Devin Booker, who shares the Phoenix spotlight with Taurasi, has always been in her corner and valued their friendship that formed in 2015 when he was drafted by the Suns.

LeBron James – another Mount Rushmore figure in basketball that knows a thing or two about buckets – congratulated Taurasi on her career and the influence she’s had on the younger generation:

In late September, I wrote about Taurasi’s career, her evolution as a leader for the Mercury, and what she means to the local community in Phoenix. While she didn’t get to exit the game on top, she is still proud of her legacy and how meaningful it was to stick with one franchise.

The Mercury will now begin a new chapter of the organization – with fresh faces, new styles, and different leadership.

However, Taurasi’s daily habits, mental toughness, and cultural impact will live on. Every Mercury practice will take place on the same court that features her name and silhouette, inspiring anyone who accepts the challenge of following her footsteps.