Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi Inducted into Arizona Sports Hall of Fame

Legendary WNBA player honored for 20-year career with Mercury

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:21am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors representing Diana Taurasi's illustrious basketball career with the Phoenix Mercury, breaking down her achievements into overlapping planes.A cubist interpretation of Diana Taurasi's storied career with the Phoenix Mercury, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple facets of her legendary tenure.Phoenix Today

Diana Taurasi, the iconic Phoenix Mercury player who spent her entire 20-year WNBA career with the team, was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame on April 9. Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion and six-time Olympic gold medalist, was celebrated for her immense impact on the Mercury and women's basketball in Arizona.

Why it matters

Taurasi's induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to her unparalleled achievements and legacy with the Phoenix Mercury. As one of the greatest players in WNBA history, her selection highlights the Mercury's status as a premier franchise and the growth of women's professional sports in the state.

The details

Taurasi was drafted by the Mercury as the No. 1 overall pick in 2004 and went on to lead the team to three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. She was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2009 and 2014, and WNBA MVP in 2009. Outside of the Mercury, Taurasi represented the U.S. national team, winning six Olympic gold medals, the most of any U.S. basketball player.

  • Taurasi was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame on April 9, 2026.
  • Taurasi will be inducted into the Mercury's Ring of Honor on August 16, 2026.

The players

Diana Taurasi

A legendary WNBA player who spent her entire 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury, leading the team to three championships and winning six Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team.

Penny Taylor

Taurasi's wife and former teammate on the Phoenix Mercury.

Jerry Colangelo

The former owner of the Phoenix Mercury who Taurasi credits for setting the team on a path to success and longevity.

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What they’re saying

“It's just incredible. Being here for 20 years now, it's home. Thinking back on all the things we've accomplished when we came in 2004, winning championships, making sure that the Phoenix Mercury were the gold standard in the WNBA.”

— Diana Taurasi, WNBA Player

“It's the fans who did it all. We have the most loyal and amazing fans of all time. The X-Factor was always there. No matter what kind of season we were having, they were always there supporting us and building that community. It's definitely a treat.”

— Diana Taurasi, WNBA Player

“He kind of set the path to the winning, to the longevity in being here because he's that type of guy.”

— Diana Taurasi, WNBA Player

What’s next

Taurasi will be inducted into the Phoenix Mercury's Ring of Honor on August 16, 2026, joining other franchise legends.

The takeaway

Diana Taurasi's induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame solidifies her status as one of the greatest players in WNBA history and a true icon of women's basketball in the state. Her two-decade tenure with the Mercury, three championships, and six Olympic gold medals have cemented her legacy as a transformative figure who helped elevate the sport to new heights.