WNBA legend Diana Taurasi opens up about the real meaning behind her career.
WNBA Icon Diana Taurasi, 43, Reveals What Retirement Reminded Her originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi has officially stepped away from basketball, but the 43-year-old says her biggest takeaway from retirement is that her career was never just about the sport.
In an Instagram post, Taurasi shared a carousel of photos from her playing days, from the court to the sidelines, from moments with teammates to celebrations with fans. Her caption revealed a heartfelt reflection.
“Retirement reminded me: it was never just about basketball. It was about the people — those who I had the privilege to compete with. Every step of the journey was built on shared belief, sacrifice, and love,” Taurasi wrote.
She added that her journey will soon be told in a new way, with a documentary set to give fans an inside look at the moments behind her legendary career.
“The full story is one of community, legacy and what it means to show up for each other,” she wrote.
Diana Taurasi’s Lasting Legacy
Taurasi announced her retirement in February after 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. The WNBA’s all-time scoring leader finished her career with 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than the next player, Tina Charles.
She won three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014), was a two-time Finals MVP, and earned the league MVP award in 2009. She made the All-WNBA first team 10 times and was an 11-time All-Star.
Internationally, Taurasi became one of the most decorated athletes ever, becoming the only basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals.
Diana Taurasi’s Documentary Release
Fans will soon get a closer look at her journey through Taurasi, a three-part documentary premiering Aug. 7 on Prime Video in over 240 countries.
The series promises behind-the-scenes stories from her time at UConn, her early days with the Mercury, and her international success. Interviews will feature Taurasi herself, longtime friends like Sue Bird, and her former college coach Geno Auriemma.
Director Katie Bender Wynn said Taurasi’s greatness comes not only from her skill but also from her “grit, wit, and refusal to fit the mold.”
For Taurasi, the real treasure from her career isn’t in the records or trophies, but in the relationships and shared moments that came along the way.
As she steps into the next chapter, Taurasi leaves behind a career that shaped the WNBA and inspired countless players. Her story will now be told for generations, not just as the tale of a basketball legend, but of a leader whose game was always about more than the score.
Related: WNBA Superstar Makes History by Tying Diana Taurasi Record
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball