Diana Taurasi Bids Farewell: A Legendary Career Comes to a Close

Phoenix, Arizona – After two decades of unparalleled dedication, electrifying performances, and unwavering loyalty to the Phoenix Mercury, Diana Taurasi has officially announced her retirement from professional basketball. The news, delivered during a poignant press conference held at the Diana Taurasi Courts at the Mercury’s practice facility, marks the end of an era for the WNBA and its legions of fans.

Taurasi, a name synonymous with basketball brilliance, steps away from the game as a three-time WNBA champion, the league’s all-time leading scorer, and an 11-time WNBA All-Star. Her decision, while met with both sadness and admiration, comes after a period of deep reflection following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

The weight of her decision was palpable during the press conference, attended by close friends and family, including her wife, Penny Taylor, and their two young children, Leo and Isla, who donned matching orange shirts emblazoned with Taurasi’s iconic logo. Taurasi confessed that the reality of her retirement had only begun to sink in at that moment, overwhelmed by the memories and experiences accumulated over two decades in Phoenix.

"I made the announcement last week, but I don’t think it’s felt real until just now," Taurasi admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. "All the great memories that I’ve had here for 20 years have been overwhelming."

The journey to this decision was not without its emotional complexities. In a moment of raw honesty, Taurasi acknowledged the sadness that accompanied the end of her playing career. A poignant anecdote shared during the press conference revealed the depth of her emotions. "We got on a plane to New York (last week) and Leo says, ‘Is retirement sad?’ That was the longest four-hour plane ride to New York ever, just thinking."

Despite her attempts to mask her feelings, Taurasi admitted, "It is sad. I don’t show it. I don’t like to outwardly show my sadness, but I am sad. It’s the game that I’ve played since I was seven. It’s all the things in life that I always loved to do."

Taurasi’s final game for the Mercury took place on September 25th, a playoff loss to the Minnesota Lynx. At the time, she remained noncommittal about her future, leaving fans to speculate whether it was indeed her last performance. However, as the new year approached, Taurasi’s decision became increasingly clear.

"After the (2024) season ended, I really wanted to take some time away and really think about what I wanted to do," Taurasi explained. "I know the work that goes into preparing for a season. Once January 1st kind of came and went … I knew in my heart that I didn’t have it in me to put that four-month preparation that I usually do going into a season. I just didn’t have that anymore and I was fine with that."

Drafted by the Mercury with the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft after a stellar collegiate career at UConn, where she led the Huskies to three NCAA championships, Taurasi’s impact on the Phoenix franchise and the WNBA as a whole is undeniable. Her commitment to the Mercury, spending her entire professional career in Phoenix, is a testament to her loyalty and dedication.

"Out of all the things in my career — the check-list goes on and on — being in this city for 20 years to me is the one thing that is the most important thing in the world," Taurasi said with conviction. "Championships, points, all those things will be broken — hopefully not soon. The character and the loyalty you show every single day, that’s what people care about and remember. If I did that in a way that can transcend the way people look at, not only women’s basketball, but women’s sports, how we give up our life and sacrifice everything for the thing we love the most. For me, that was basketball forever.”

Beyond the championships and accolades, Taurasi’s legacy extends to the inspiration she provided to countless young athletes, particularly young women, who aspired to reach the heights she achieved. Her fierce competitiveness, unwavering determination, and undeniable talent shattered barriers and challenged perceptions of women in sports.

While unsure of her next chapter, Taurasi expressed excitement about the prospect of fully immersing herself in her family life, a welcome change after years of single-minded focus on basketball. She hinted at potential avenues, such as broadcasting or podcasting, following in the footsteps of her close friend Sue Bird.

"I’ve been so addicted to the game of basketball for the last 30 years. It’s all I thought about. It’s all I prepared for," she said. "The last couple weeks, I’ve really understood what it really means to be home and be present. You know, I was home before, but my mind was always thinking about the next game. … Now it’s Leo and Isla and being present for Penny and my family and friends that would always make sure I was OK. Now it’s my turn to repay all that to them."

Despite her contentment with retirement, Taurasi offered a playful caveat, suggesting that the competitive fire might flicker again in the future. Upon entering the Mercury’s practice facility for the first time since the season ended, she reportedly told GM Nick U’Ren, "I want to play again." However, she quickly tempered expectations, adding, "I’m sure I’ll have those feelings a lot, but I am so happy where I’m at right now personally. Now, I get to really reflect on what 20 years felt like and the things that I was lucky enough to be a part of.”

Diana Taurasi’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in WNBA history. Her contributions to the game, her unwavering spirit, and her profound impact on the sport’s landscape will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. As she embarks on this new phase of her life, the basketball world bids a fond farewell to a true legend, a champion, and an icon.