Taurasi spent her entire 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury. She is widely considered the greatest player in women’s basketball history.
Diana Taurasi, one of the most decorated players in basketball history, has announced her retirement from the WNBA. A three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and league MVP, Taurasi’s résumé also includes 10 All-WNBA First Team selections, four Second Team nods, six EuroLeague titles, seven Russian Cup wins, and three Russian Player of the Year honors. She’s also a three-time NCAA champion and a six-time Olympic gold medalist, cementing her legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
perioDT. pic.twitter.com/cQOdpkTQya
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 25, 2025
“I just didn’t have it in me,” Taurasi said. “That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away.
“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, 42, spent her entire 20-year career with the Mercury. She scored more points (10,646) than any other WNBA player and earned her stripes as one of the Arizona Sports legends.
“Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game,” Mat Ishbia said in a statement.
Mercury forever pic.twitter.com/m62aNWMR5S
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 25, 2025
Added Taurasi: “I have a resume. It’s not up to me to grade it.”
Taurasi was close with Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who is another legend in Phoenix and spoke about his growth before her final season.
“Book is just a special human being,” she said. “…He has this maturity, this seriousness about him that is unmatched by any other player I’ve ever been around, female or male.”
Taurasi has long been a fan of the Suns and will be inducted into the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor.
Among Taurasi’s greatest accomplishments are here three WNBA championships she brought to the Valley. In 2009 — Taurasi’s second championship season — she was named regular-season and Finals MVP.
“Since day one, Diana has the energy and the spirit like she’s ready to play tomorrow,” Devin Booker said. “ … Diana’s definitely been a staple for me throughout my whole career here. Even the short conversations in passing in the locker rooms or passing in the weight rooms. Like I say, I’m a historian of the game, understanding that she’s paved the way for this whole next generation that’s coming up.”
Taurasi won championships also in 2007 and 2014. She retires as an 11-time WNBA All-Star, 10-time All-WNBA first-team selection, a six-time WNBA Peak Performer, a five-time scoring champion and a one-time assist leader.
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