PHOENIX — Three-time WNBA Champion and WNBA all-time leading scorer, Diana Taurasi, is officially retiring, according to statements from the Phoenix Mercury.
She didn’t just wear the jersey – she built our franchise.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 25, 2025
She played the game, then changed it forever.
Thank you will never be enough. But it’s a start 💜 pic.twitter.com/X34bgGBWqv
The Phoenix Mercury released the following statement from Mercury and Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Tuesday afternoon:
“Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game. I’ve been a fan of her my entire life, she is the ultimate leader and teammate. She’s had an incredible impact on our franchise, our community and the game of basketball. Her name is synonymous with the Phoenix Mercury and she will forever be part of our family.”
Mercury forever 🧡 pic.twitter.com/m62aNWMR5S
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 25, 2025
After 20 years of playing in the WNBA, Diana Taurasi is officially retiring 🧡
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 25, 2025
Thank you Diana for changing the game forever, all of the accolades could never amount to the type of person and edge you embodied when you stepped out there on the court
One-of-One 💐 pic.twitter.com/dEtE4NDrGH
“She really taught us how to be teammates,” said Bridget Pettis.
Pettis, DT’s former WNBA teammate and coach, got a front row seat to her career.
“It was so real because you saw the strength in her in yourself, in other little girls,” said Pettis. “They saw their own strengths their own dreams their own possibilities.”
She said she’s grateful for their championships and time together. Pettis reached out when she heard about the retirement news.
“I actually text her and said welcome to the other side, just good job congratulations,” said Pettis.
She said Taurasi’s legacy is game changing.
“She just let it all go,” said Pettis. “ I would see her on the court, her everyday routine, how she approached the game, how she approached her teammates”
In retirement, Pettis runs a foundation and a local Valley business. ABC15 asked Pettis if she offered DT any advice when she reached out.
“I said get rest and get ready for the next thing,” Pettis. “This is it for me. My heart has been poured into the community, and what is the next calling in your heart?”
In July 2024, the Phoenix Mercury unveiled their new state-of-the-art practice facility as part of All-Star weekend, naming two practice courts after Taurasi.
The 58,000-square-foot performance center was designed specifically for the WNBA team.
Taurasi played in 565 regular season games, all with the Phoenix Mercury between 2004 and 2024, leading the team to three championships. She also won six Olympic gold medals during her basketball career.
