Women's Basketball: Legend Diana Taurasi hangs up her boots at 43

It’s time to retire. Diana Taurasi, the three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and league-leading scorer, announced her retirement Tuesday, ending her 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury. It’s no surprise to Taurasi, who turns 43 next June. The Mercury honored her at the end of the 2024 WNBA season, promoting the final home game of the year with the phrase “If This Is It,” and giving Taurasi a postgame ceremony even though she hadn’t yet officially decided to retire. She said in September that she didn’t want to “ make any emotional, rash decisions ” about her future, but added, “ I know the end is near .”

In comments to Time Magazine on Tuesday, Taurasi explained what led her to finalize her decision and end her career. " Mentally and physically, I'm just complete ," Taurasi said. "That's probably the best way to describe it. I'm complete and happy ."

Taurasi led Phoenix to titles in 2007, 2009 and 2014 and won the league MVP award in 2009. She ranks first in WNBA history in points (10,646) and three-pointers (1,447) and fourth in assists (2,394). In addition to her lengthy professional career — she was a 14-time All-WNBA selection and a five-time leading scorer — she won three straight NCAA championships at UConn and six straight Olympic gold medals with Team USA. “ Until someone comes along and eclipses what she’s done, then yes, she is ” the greatest women’s basketball player of all time, UConn coach Geno Auriemma told Time.

The WNBA thanked Diana Taurasi “ for changing the game forever ” in a message on X, and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement on her retirement. “ Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage ,” Engelbert said. “In a record-breaking career that saw her play 20 seasons, score more points and make more three-pointers than any player in WNBA history, she earned the unconditional respect of players around the world, delivered electrifying moments and captivated fans time and time again.” On behalf of the WNBA family, I thank Diana for everything she brought to the WNBA – her passion, her charisma and, most importantly, her unwavering dedication to the game. She leaves a lasting legacy and the future of the WNBA is in a great position because of her impact, which will be felt for generations to come .”