Diana Taurasi, one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, has officially announced her retirement after 20 remarkable seasons. Regarded as the “Greatest of All Time” by WNBA fans, Taurasi’s impact on the sport extends far beyond the court. Her stellar career, championship victories, and international dominance have solidified her as a trailblazer in women’s basketball.
Early Life and Background
Born on June 11, 1982, in Glendale, California, Diana Taurasi grew up in Chino, California. Her father, Mario Taurasi, was a professional soccer player in Italy, while her mother, Liliana, was originally from Argentina. From a young age, Diana displayed immense talent in basketball, quickly rising as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport.
Taurasi attended Don Antonio Lugo High School, where she received multiple national honors, including the Cheryl Miller Award and the “Parade Magazine” National High School Player of the Year title in 2000. Her exceptional skill set and competitive nature made her a standout player, setting the stage for her collegiate and professional success.
College Dominance at UConn
Diana Taurasi continued her basketball journey at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she became one of the most dominant players in NCAA history. Under the guidance of legendary coach Geno Auriemma, she led the Huskies to three consecutive NCAA championships in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Her leadership and clutch performances earned her the prestigious Honda Sports Awards in 2003 and 2004, as well as the Associated Press Player of the Year honor in 2003.
Her ability to perform in high-pressure situations, combined with her scoring ability and court vision, made her an invaluable player for UConn. Taurasi’s collegiate career set the foundation for her transition to the professional level, where she continued to dominate.
WNBA Career and Achievements
Diana Taurasi was selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. From her rookie season onward, she made an immediate impact, winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Her exceptional scoring ability and leadership helped transform the Mercury into a powerhouse in the league.
Milestones and Records
Throughout her WNBA career, Taurasi amassed an impressive list of achievements:
- Three WNBA Championships (2007, 2009, 2014)
- Ten-time WNBA All-Star
- WNBA MVP (Most Valuable Player) Finalist
- WNBA Scoring Champion (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
- First WNBA player to score 10,000 career points (August 2023)
Her longevity and consistent excellence over two decades made her a fixture in the WNBA, inspiring generations of female athletes. Even in her final season, Taurasi played a crucial role in leading the Phoenix Mercury to the playoffs, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the game.
International Career and Global Impact
Beyond the WNBA, Taurasi built a prolific international basketball career, playing for elite teams in Europe. From 2006 to 2010, she played for Spartak Moscow, leading the team to four consecutive EuroLeague championships. She later joined UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, where she further cemented her status as one of the best players in the world.
Her international success extended to the Olympic stage, where she was a cornerstone of the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team. Taurasi won gold medals in the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games, further solidifying her reputation as a global basketball icon.
Personal Life and Family
Diana Taurasi is married to Penny Taylor, a former WNBA star and longtime teammate with the Phoenix Mercury. Taylor later transitioned into a role as the team’s Director of Player Development and Performance. The couple tied the knot in May 2017 and welcomed their first child, Leo Michael, in 2018. In 2021, Taurasi famously rushed from a playoff game to witness the birth of their second child, a daughter.
Despite her competitive nature on the court, Taurasi has always prioritized family, balancing her personal life with her legendary basketball career.
Salary, Earnings, and Net Worth
As of 2024, Diana Taurasi has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million. Throughout her career, she earned a maximum WNBA salary of $221,000 per season. However, her international contracts significantly boosted her earnings, with overseas teams offering her salaries exceeding $1 million per season. In 2015, Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg even paid her to skip the WNBA season and focus solely on playing in Europe.
Her financial success, combined with endorsement deals and sponsorships, has made her one of the highest-earning women’s basketball players in history. Taurasi’s impact on the game has transcended financial rewards, as she has paved the way for future generations of female athletes to achieve greater recognition and financial stability in the sport.
Retirement and Legacy
At 42 years old, Taurasi announced her retirement, stating, “Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.” Her decision to step away from the game marks the end of an era in women’s basketball.
Her contributions to the sport have been immeasurable, not only through her statistics and championships but also in the way she has inspired younger players. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, pushing for increased visibility and financial equity in professional basketball.
