Diana Taurasi Announces Retirement: Did Diana Taurasi Retire from Basketball?

Well, folks, it’s the end of an era. One of the greatest to ever do it, Diana Taurasi, is officially hanging up her sneakers. And honestly? It’s hard to imagine the WNBA without her.

In an exclusive interview with TIME, Taurasi made it clear: “I just didn’t have it in me. That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away.” After 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, she’s stepping away on her own terms—full, happy, and with a legacy that will never be forgotten.

The Resume of a GOAT

Let’s talk about what makes Taurasi, well, Taurasi. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft after an already legendary college career at UConn. From there, she wasted no time cementing her place in the pros. Three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014), two Finals MVPs, and a league MVP title in 2009 when she averaged 20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Oh, and let’s not forget her 11 WNBA All-Star nods and 14 All-WNBA selections. The numbers are staggering.

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And then there’s the scoring. Taurasi didn’t just score—she rewrote the record books. With a jaw-dropping 10,646 career points (nearly 3,000 more than the next closest player, Tina Charles), she’s the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer. Throw in the most three-pointers made in league history and ranking fourth in assists, and you see why she’s in a league of her own.

Beyond the WNBA: A Global Hooper

But Taurasi wasn’t just an American sensation—she dominated overseas, too. She won six EuroLeague championships and took home three EuroLeague MVP trophies. Oh, and she was named Russian League Player of the Year three times while playing abroad. She didn’t just compete internationally—she owned the global stage.

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Olympic Royalty

Then there’s Team USA. Taurasi didn’t just win—she collected gold medals. Six of them, to be exact. No American basketball player, male or female, has won more Olympic golds than her. It’s a feat that puts her right up there with the most decorated athletes in the world.

The Greatest Ever?

There’s always debate about who the GOAT of women’s basketball is. Lisa Leslie, Cheryl Miller, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Candace Parker—the list of legends is long. But Taurasi’s name is always in the mix, and for good reason. Her longevity, her clutch gene, her ability to get buckets at will—it’s unmatched.

She was more than just a scorer, though. She had that edge, that fire, that attitude. She talked trash, she played with swagger, and she backed every single bit of it up. You either loved her or hated playing against her, but you respected her.

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What’s Next for DT?

Now that she’s stepping away, what’s next? Coaching? Broadcasting? Front office? Whatever she chooses, one thing’s for sure—she won’t be far from the game. Taurasi is basketball, and her impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.

So here’s to Diana Taurasi—The White Mamba, The GOAT, the fearless leader of Phoenix, and one of the best to ever lace ‘em up. The game won’t be the same without her, but man, what a ride it’s been.