Two-Time WNBA Champion Kara Braxton Dies at 43

The former All-Star won titles with the Detroit Shock and also played for Phoenix and New York.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion who played for the Detroit Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty over a 10-year career, has died at the age of 43. The league announced her passing on Sunday, though no cause of death has been provided.

Why it matters

Braxton was a standout player in the WNBA, winning championships with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008. Her death at a relatively young age is a significant loss for the women's basketball community.

The details

Born in Jackson, Michigan, Braxton played high school basketball in Oregon and college basketball at the University of Georgia, where she earned SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Conference honors. She was selected 7th overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft and spent 5 1/2 seasons with the team, making the All-Star team in 2007. Braxton also played for the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty before retiring in 2014 with career averages of 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

  • Braxton died on February 23, 2026.
  • She was 43 years old at the time of her passing.

The players

Kara Braxton

A two-time WNBA champion who played for the Detroit Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty over a 10-year career.

Jelani Thurman

Braxton's son, a tight end who played three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”

— WNBA (WNBA)

“Rest in peace Kara.”

— Georgia basketball (X)

“We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women's game. Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”

— New York Liberty (X)

“Man, she taught me always go hard. There's one goal, you know what you need to go to do.”

— Jelani Thurman (Interview)

The takeaway

Kara Braxton's passing at the age of 43 is a significant loss for the WNBA and women's basketball community. As a two-time champion with the Detroit Shock, Braxton left a lasting impact on the game and inspired her son Jelani Thurman, who credited her teachings for helping him achieve success in his own athletic career.