Diana Taurasi is widely regarded as the greatest women’s basketball player of all time.
Over her illustrious career, she has won virtually every accolade possible at every level of the sport and continues to perform at an elite level even at 42 years old.
Though her career is nearing its end, Taurasi will be playing in her sixth and final Olympic Games in Paris later this month. Many expect that she might retire following the conclusion of this WNBA season. Regardless of when she decides to step away from the game, her legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
In recognition of her monumental contributions to the sport, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia has announced that the courts in a new $70 million practice facility for the Phoenix Mercury will be named in her honor. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a lasting tribute to Taurasi’s impact on basketball.
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Ishbia shared more details with ESPN, stating, “This is going to be state of the art, first class, and the why behind it is we want to invest in our team. We believe in our sport, we believe in the WNBA, and we believe in the Phoenix Mercury. We are putting our money, our effort, and our love behind it.”
The new 58,000 square-foot, $70 million facility, located three blocks from Footprint Center, will feature two courts, offices, meeting rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, a sauna, strength and cardio areas, a lounge, a dining room, and a kitchen, among other amenities. Each court will be named Diana Taurasi Court and will include a Taurasi-inspired logo.
“It worked out perfectly: getting the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix and being able to honor who I consider is the greatest of all time,” Ishbia said. “Diana Taurasi is not only the WNBA career scoring leader but also an incredible person and player. Putting her name on the court is something everyone will see in the future to always remember that Diana Taurasi played here.”
Taurasi’s career achievements are unparalleled. She is a three-time WNBA Champion, a league MVP, and has led the league in scoring five times. Additionally, she has earned ten All-WNBA First Team selections, won five Olympic gold medals, and secured three college titles at UConn, among many other accolades.
This season, Taurasi continues to showcase her talents, averaging 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Her enduring excellence and competitive spirit serve as an inspiration to both her teammates and fans worldwide.
As Taurasi’s career winds down, her legacy will remain firmly embedded in the fabric of basketball history, not just through her achievements on the court, but also through lasting tributes like the Diana Taurasi Courts, ensuring that her contributions to the game will never be forgotten.
