After 20 remarkable years of rewriting the history of women’s basketball, Diana Taurasi has officially announced her retirement, marking the end of an era with the Phoenix Mercury. From her first game to her last, Taurasi’s impact on the court has been nothing short of legendary, shaping the future of the sport and inspiring millions along the way. With countless accolades, including three WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals, and the title of all-time leading scorer, she leaves behind a legacy built on excellence, loyalty, and an unrelenting passion for the game. This moment, a bittersweet farewell to a career that transcended basketball, reflects the culmination of a journey that has forever changed the landscape of women’s sports.
Diana Taurasi’s name synonymous with the Phoenix Mercury and women’s basketball, and her mark on the sport, establishing herself as one of the greatest to ever grace the hardwood, is undeniable. For over two decades, Taurasi’s fierce competitiveness, unparalleled scoring ability, and unyielding loyalty have captivated fans and inspired generations of athletes. They even called her, “The White Mamba”, a play on the late great NBA star Kobe Bean Bryant for her versatility and bucket-making prowess.
“Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game,” declares Mercury and Suns Owner Mat Ishbia, a sentiment echoed by many within the organization. Her impact transcends mere statistics; she embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader, teammate, and trailblazer. As Mercury and Suns Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein notes, Taurasi “revolutionized the game with her scoring ability, infectious personality, and the edge she brought to the court every night.”
Her dedication to her craft is legendary. Mercury General Manager Nick U’Ren emphasizes her “unmatched work ethic,” noting the countless hours she spent honing her skills. This relentless commitment, paired with her natural talent, propelled her to achieve unparalleled success, including three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014), five WNBA Finals MVP awards, and being named to 10 All-WNBA First Teams. Her accolades extend to the international stage, where she led the USA Women’s National Basketball Team to five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020), was a member of a sixth Olympic gold medal team in 2024, and numerous World Cup titles, solidifying her reputation as a global icon.
Perhaps most remarkable is Taurasi’s unwavering loyalty to the Phoenix Mercury. “Playing an entire career with one team is rare,” observes Mercury and Suns Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jim Pitman, “and it has been extraordinary for our organization and city to have Dee as the heart and soul of the Mercury for the last two decades.” This loyalty has transformed a city she’d never visited into her home, creating a profound and lasting bond with the community.
Mercury President Vince Kozar underscores that Taurasi’s legacy extends far beyond on-court achievements. “She turned a city she’d never visited into her family’s home, and by virtue of her passion and play, turned legions of girls and boys, men and women into lifelong Mercury fans.” Her influence as a powerful role model has inspired countless individuals, showing the importance of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Taurasi’s ability to rise to the occasion in the most critical moments has solidified her place as a true champion. With 9 WNBA All-Star selections, 2 WNBA All-Star MVPs, and a career that includes the WNBA all-time scoring record, her name is forever cemented in the halls of the sport. Her passion, leadership, and incredible talent have shaped the future of women’s basketball, and her profound impact on the game will resonate for generations to come.
Diana Taurasi’s legacy is a tribute to her unparalleled greatness, unwavering loyalty, and her profound influence on the world of basketball. Her story is not just one of championships and accolades, but of inspiring a global movement that has redefined the future of women’s sports.
The debate over the top WNBA player of all time is subjective, but based on overall impact, accolades, championships, and individual achievements, here is a list of 12 players widely regarded as some of the greatest in WNBA history:
- Diana Taurasi – 3× WNBA Champion, 6× Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024), 10× WNBA All-Star, All-time leading scorer in WNBA history, 2009 WNBA MVP, 2× WNBA Finals MVP.
- Tamika Catchings – 1× WNBA Champion, 4× Defensive Player of the Year, 10× WNBA All-Star, 2002 WNBA MVP, 5× All-WNBA First Team.
- Lisa Leslie – 2× WNBA Champion, 1× WNBA MVP, 9× WNBA All-Star, 4× Defensive Player of the Year, 2002 WNBA Finals MVP.
- Maya Moore – 4× WNBA Champion, 2× WNBA MVP, 6× WNBA All-Star, 1× WNBA Finals MVP, 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, 2016).
- Cynthia Cooper-Dyke – 4× WNBA Champion, 2× WNBA MVP, 4× WNBA Finals MVP, 8× WNBA All-Star, Pioneer in women’s basketball.
- Sheryl Swoopes – 3× WNBA Champion, 1× WNBA MVP, 3× WNBA Finals MVP, 8× WNBA All-Star, 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, 2000).
- A’ja Wilson – 2× WNBA Champion, 2× WNBA MVP, 4× WNBA All-Star, 1× WNBA Finals MVP, 1× Defensive Player of the Year, 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist, 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist.
- Sue Bird – 4× WNBA Champion, 5× Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020), 12× WNBA All-Star, 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year, All-time leader in assists.
- Becky Hammon – 6× WNBA All-Star, 1× WNBA All-Star Game MVP, pioneer in women’s basketball coaching, becoming the first woman to coach an NBA team during a regular-season game.
- Breanna Stewart – 2× WNBA Champion, 2× WNBA MVP, 5× WNBA All-Star, 1× WNBA Finals MVP, 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2020, 2024).
- Tina Thompson – 2× WNBA Champion, 9× WNBA All-Star, 1× WNBA Finals MVP, 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, 2008), 2002 WNBA MVP.
- Seimone Augustus – 3× WNBA Champion (2011, 2013, 2015), 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012), 8× WNBA All-Star, 1× WNBA Finals MVP (2011), 1× WNBA Rookie of the Year (2006), 4× All-WNBA First Team.
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