Phoenix built, legacy cemented: Diana Taurasi earns place in Arizona Sports Hall of Fame

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PHOENIX — Diana Taurasi won’t just be remembered for her time with the Phoenix Mercury, but also as one of the greatest athletes in Arizona sports history.

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Sep 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) shoots the ball against LA Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) and forward Azura Stevens (23) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Mercury legend and longtime face of the WNBA will be inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026, honoring a career that fused state loyalty with national and international dominance. Other athletes that will be honored are Michael Bates, Frank Busch, Craig Girard, J.J. Hardy, Michael Pantalione and George Young.

Taurasi spent her entire 20-year career in Phoenix after being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft out of UConn. Her résumé speaks for itself: three WNBA championships, a league MVP award, 14 All-WNBA selections and six Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

But it’s not just the numbers that made her a desert icon.

Diana Taurasi celebrates a 3-pointer during a 2007 WNBA Finals game against the Detroit Shock. The Phoenix Mercury won the series and Taurasi won her first WNBA championship. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Brought in to stabilize a young franchise and league, Taurasi helped transform Phoenix into one of the premier destinations in women’s basketball. Despite roster rebuilds and coaching changes, her constant presence gave the Mercury continuity and helped create one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in the sport.

Beyond the desert, Taurasi has always been known for her swagger and edge, redefining how outsiders perceived the WNBA. She was unapologetic, and her success overseas helped elevate women’s basketball on a global scale, while her candid personality made her one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.

Aug 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) celebrates her 10,000 career point milestone with teammates after the game against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame celebrates those whose influence transcended stats, wins and losses, focusing instead on the lasting impact they had in the Valley — something Taurasi more than accomplished. Her career rose alongside the rapid growth of women’s sports, bringing attention to a game often overshadowed by more traditional offerings.

Welcome Michael Bates, Frank Busch, Craig Girard, J.J. Hardy, Michael Pantalione, Diana Taurasi, and George Young!

Seven legends. Seven stories. One unforgettable class.

The Class of 2025 represents the best of AZ sports.

This is excellence. This is legacy. This is Arizona. pic.twitter.com/oFqgl5MANr

— Arizona Sports Hall of Fame (@azsportshof) January 28, 2026

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi shows off her three WNBA Championship rings during ceremonies at the season opener on June 5, 2015, at US Airways Center in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Taurasi built history in Arizona, and now she’ll be cemented as one of the all-time greats in sports.