Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has officially announced her retirement at the age of 42. After an astonishing 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer is calling it a day, leaving behind a legacy that will be talked about for generations.
The End of an Era
Taurasi, known for her fierce competitiveness and unparalleled skills, shared her thoughts on stepping away from the game. “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” she told TIME. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
And really, who could blame her? Taurasi has done it all—three NCAA titles with UConn, six WNBA championships, six Olympic gold medals, and multiple overseas league titles. Her impact on basketball, both in the U.S. and globally, is undeniable.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert summed it up best: “Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage. In a record-setting career that saw her play 20 seasons, score more points, and make more 3-point shots than any player in WNBA history, she earned the unquestioned respect of players around the globe, delivered electrifying moments, and captivated fans again and again.”
A Legacy Built Over Two Decades
Taurasi’s journey to basketball greatness started at UConn, where she led the Huskies to three consecutive NCAA championships (2002, 2003, and 2004). She was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, where she would go on to spend her entire career. She became the league’s all-time leading scorer in 2017 and continued to add to her record, becoming the first player in WNBA history to surpass 10,000 points in 2023.
Beyond the WNBA, Taurasi dominated international basketball. She won six EuroLeague titles, seven Russian National League championships, and a Turkish National League title. And, of course, there’s her Olympic dominance—six gold medals, an undefeated record on the world’s biggest stage, and an untouchable legacy in international competition.
Taurasi’s Net Worth and Financial Success
For someone who has spent two decades in professional sports, Taurasi has built a solid financial standing. According to Marca, her net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million. While WNBA salaries don’t compare to their NBA counterparts, Taurasi maximized her earnings with overseas contracts—some paying over $1.5 million per season—endorsements, and smart investments.
Life Beyond Basketball: Family & Love Story with Penny Taylor
While basketball has been Taurasi’s life, she’s always had strong support off the court. Her wife, Penny Taylor, is a basketball legend in her own right. Taylor, a three-time WNBA champion with the Mercury, played 19 seasons professionally before retiring in 2016. She was inducted into the WNBA Hall of Fame in 2023, further cementing her place in basketball history.
The two first met as teammates on the Mercury back in 2004, but their love story didn’t begin until after Taylor retired. They tied the knot in 2017 in an intimate ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. “It was the most amazing and beautiful day of our lives,” Taurasi told People Magazine. “To be able to share our love with family and close friends meant the world to us.”
Together, they have two children. Their firstborn, Leo Michael, was welcomed into the world in March 2018, and their second child, Isla, was born in October 2021. Balancing motherhood and a professional basketball career is no small feat, but Taurasi and Taylor have made it work, proving they’re just as much of a power couple off the court as they were on it.
What’s Next for Taurasi?
Though Taurasi is stepping away from playing, don’t expect her to disappear from the basketball world entirely. She has already hinted at remaining involved in the sport, possibly in coaching or broadcasting. Given her deep love for the game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her working with young players or mentoring future WNBA stars.
She also emphasized that records and accolades were never her driving force. “My scoring record or the six gold medals, someone’s going to come around that has the same hunger, the same addiction to basketball, and put those records in a different way, a different name,” she said. “That’s what sports is all about. That’s going to be fun to watch. Hopefully not soon.”
Enjoy retirement—you’ve earned it.
