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WNBA Mourns Passing of Ex-Liberty, Shock Star Kara Braxton
The two-time WNBA champion and 2007 All-Star played 10 seasons in the league before her death at age 43.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:27pm
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The WNBA announced the passing of Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and 2007 All-Star who spent 10 seasons in the league. Braxton, who was 43 years old, played for the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty over her career, winning titles in 2006 and 2008 with the Shock.
Why it matters
Braxton was a prominent figure in the WNBA during her playing days, making the All-Star team in 2007 and helping the Shock win two championships. Her passing at a relatively young age is a significant loss for the league and the basketball community.
The details
Braxton was selected 7th overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock. She earned All-Rookie honors in 2005 and over her 10-year career, she appeared in 297 games, averaging 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Braxton helped the Shock win WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008, and in 2007 she moved into the starting lineup and earned her only All-Star selection, averaging 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.
- Braxton was drafted by the Detroit Shock in 2005.
- She won WNBA championships with the Shock in 2006 and 2008.
- Braxton made the WNBA All-Star team in 2007.
The players
Kara Braxton
A 6-foot-6 forward/center who played 10 seasons in the WNBA, winning two championships with the Detroit Shock and making the 2007 All-Star team.
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
The takeaway
Kara Braxton's passing at the age of 43 is a tragic loss for the WNBA and basketball community. As a two-time champion and All-Star, she was a prominent figure in the league during her playing days and her contributions will be remembered.
