Women's basketball legend Diana Taurasi announces retirement after 20 years in the WNBA

Legendary WNBA star Diana Taurasi on Tuesday announced her retirement from professional basketball after a 20-year career that included three championship titles and two WNBA Finals "most valuable player" titles. 

Taurasi, who was first drafted in 2004 as the No. 1 overall pick, said she was "happy and full" with her career. The 42-year-old legend has set WNBA records in several categories including points, field goals, free throws, and 3-pointers made.

“Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” Taurasi told TIME Magazine. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

The basketball icon, who played for the Phoenix Mercury in all 20 seasons, has also played on the U.S. women’s national basketball team at the Olympics, where she has won six consecutive gold medals.

“Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “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.”

Taurasi said that although she is retiring, she is confident in the future of the sport and that a player will one day replace her records. 

“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,” Taurasi said. “That’s what sports is all about. That’s going to be fun to watch. Hopefully not soon.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.