After two decades of dominance in the WNBA, Diana Taurasi is officially calling it a career. The 42-year-old basketball legend, known as the league’s all-time leading scorer, has decided to step away from the game that she revolutionized. With an impressive net worth of $3.5 million (as of 2025), six Olympic gold medals, and three WNBA championships under her belt, Taurasi leaves behind a legacy that will be nearly impossible to replicate.
Why Did Diana Taurasi Retire?
Taurasi, drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004, has always been a fierce competitor. But after 20 seasons, the grind of preparation for another year finally caught up to her. Speaking to Time Magazine, she revealed the moment she knew it was time:
“I just didn’t have it in me. That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away.”
Physically and mentally, Taurasi feels fulfilled with her career. She has done it all—becoming the all-time WNBA leading scorer, making a record number of three-pointers, and ranking fourth in career assists. Now, she’s ready to step back and enjoy life outside of the game.
Diana Taurasi’s Legendary Career
Nicknamed the “White Mamba” by Kobe Bryant, Taurasi has always been the epitome of a clutch performer. Her resume speaks for itself:
- WNBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer – 10,646 career points
- Three WNBA Championships – (2007, 2009, 2014)
- 11-Time WNBA All-Star
- WNBA MVP (2009)
- Two-time WNBA Finals MVP
- Three NCAA Championships with UConn
- Six Euroleague Titles
- Six Olympic Gold Medals
She has not only dominated in the WNBA but has also made an indelible mark overseas, playing in Russia and Turkey for 12 years, adding to her already stacked trophy case.
What’s Next for Taurasi?
While Taurasi has officially hung up her sneakers, she’s not stepping away from the game completely. She has expressed excitement about watching the next generation of women’s basketball stars take over. In her own words:
“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. That’s what sports is all about.”
Beyond basketball, Taurasi is looking forward to spending more time with her family. Married to fellow WNBA player Penny Taylor, the couple has two children, and Taurasi has expressed how excited she is to simply be present for her loved ones.
The End of an Era
Taurasi admits that she will deeply miss the game—the competition, the bus rides, the locker room camaraderie—but she walks away with no regrets.
“Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
As the WNBA continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the impact of Diana Taurasi will be felt for generations. She changed the game, set records that will stand for years, and inspired countless young athletes to dream bigger. Now, she gets to watch as the next wave of stars picks up where she left off.
Here’s to you, Diana. The GOAT of women’s basketball.