WASHINGTON, DC – Elena Delle Donne, one of the greatest to ever play the game, has officially announced her retirement from the WNBA. The two-time MVP, WNBA champion, and seven-time All-Star steps away from the court after a remarkable 10-season career that redefined what it means to be a leader on and off the floor.
Delle Donne, part of the celebrated 2013 WNBA Draft class, was selected with the second overall pick by the Chicago Sky. However, it was with the Washington Mystics, whom she joined before the 2017 season, where her legacy truly blossomed. In 2019, she led the Mystics to their first-ever WNBA Championship, a crowning achievement that solidified her place in history. Now, after years of battling, winning, and inspiring, Delle Donne is stepping into a new role as a special advisor to Monumental Basketball, ensuring her influence on the game continues.
“After much thought, conversations with family, and soul searching, I have finally come to the decision to walk away from playing basketball,” Delle Donne shared. “It was amazing to look back on all the special teammates, friends, executives, sponsors, staff, and most importantly the incredible fans that have accompanied me on this journey. Thankful does not begin to describe how I am feeling. This game has given me so much, and I am excited to be able to continue to compete and partake in the pursuit of winning, albeit in a different role with Monumental Basketball.”
Delle Donne’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. In her 10 seasons, she became the first player in WNBA history to earn MVP honors with two different franchises, winning the award with the Chicago Sky in 2015 and with the Washington Mystics in 2019. Her career was a showcase of excellence—highlighted by her selection to the WNBA’s 25 Greatest and Most Influential Players list in 2021, as part of the league’s 25th anniversary celebration. Delle Donne’s versatility and determination extended beyond the WNBA as she earned a gold medal with Team USA during the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
“Elena Delle Donne has been a transformative force for the Washington Mystics and women’s basketball,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis. “A champion and MVP on and off the court, her legacy as a player, leader, and ambassador will leave a permanent mark on the game, and on generations of young women, for years to come. We’ll miss her on the court, but we’re glad she’ll still be with us, shaping the next chapter for Monumental Basketball and all we’re building. Elena’s impact has been immeasurable, and we’re eager to see how she’ll keep pushing the game, just in a different way.”
Over the years, Delle Donne’s name became synonymous with both individual greatness and team success. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first WNBA player to join the exclusive 50-40-90 club, a milestone that remains unchallenged. Under her leadership, the Mystics set several franchise and league records, including the highest points per game average in franchise history (89.3) and the highest free throw percentage in a season in WNBA history (87.5%).
“One of the greatest players of all time, and one of only two named Most Valuable Player for two different franchises. Elena knows what individual greatness and team success look like,” Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger remarked. “She understands winning, and she knows how to elevate athletes, a team, and an organization. We are so fortunate that Elena wants to spend part of her next chapter giving back to basketball, contributing to the development and achievements of our program, and continuing to enrich our community. Congratulations to Elena on an extraordinary playing career, thank you for serving as a role model to so many, and welcome home!”
From her WNBA All-Rookie First Team and All-WNBA Second Team honors in 2013, to four All-WNBA First Team selections (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), Delle Donne’s career was a testament to consistency and excellence. She finished with career averages of 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. But perhaps her most remarkable feat was her free throw shooting, with an extraordinary career percentage of 93.7%, making her one of the best in the history of the game.
Delle Donne’s legacy extends beyond her statistics—she has been a trailblazer, a champion, and a role model. As she transitions into her new role with Monumental Basketball, Delle Donne will continue to shape the future of the game, giving back to the sport that has defined her life. The WNBA and basketball as a whole are better because of her incredible journey.
Thank you, Elena Delle Donne. Your greatness will live on, not just in the record books, but in the hearts of fans and players who follow in your footsteps.