“The best way to explain it is that we have Diana and you don’t,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma once said before she led the Huskies to their third national title. “And every other team in this tournament wishes they had her.”

Let’s be real—Diana Taurasi isn’t just some basketball player. She’s straight-up legendary. Twenty seasons with the Phoenix Mercury? Yeah, that’s not just a career; that’s an entire era. Three WNBA rings, a mountain of awards, and a legacy that’s basically the gold standard for anyone picking up a basketball.

The Final Act: A farewell tour of unforgettable moments of Diana Taurasi

Now that she’s walking off the court for the last time, everyone’s left wondering, “Whoa, what even was that final season?” Fans, analysts, and the league alike are soaking in every bit of her journey. From her explosive start as a hotshot rookie to evolving into an OG veteran, her relentless grind and unmatched talent have been nothing short of spectacular.

Even her toughest opponents—many of whom grew up idolizing her—could only tip their hats. Breanna Stewart called her “the standard for all of us,” while longtime teammate Brittney Griner summed it up: “There will never be another Dee.” Throughout 2024, every WNBA arena transformed into a stage for her farewell, with standing ovations, heartfelt tributes, and an outpouring of love that underscored just how deeply she impacted the game.

Diana Taurasi played the 2024 WNBA season under a two-year, $469,872 contract with the Phoenix Mercury. Signing the deal in 2023, she locked in a $234,936 salary for her final season. With no team or player options, she ensured her farewell would be with the franchise that had been her home for two decades—a fitting end for a lifelong Mercury.

Her WNBA earnings, modest compared to NBA salaries, still placed her among the league’s top 10 earners in 2024, a testament to her enduring value even in the twilight of her career. Breaking it down, Taurasi made about $19,578 per month, $4,518 per week, and $644 per day. On a per-minute basis (over 525,600 minutes in a year), she earned roughly $0.447. For context, Stephen Curry, the NBA’s highest-paid player in 2024, earned over $51 million—he made more in one quarter than Taurasi did in an entire season.

Diana Taurasi against the odds: Building a League with Grit and Grace

Despite racking up nearly all of her 10,646 career points without year-round access to elite facilities or full support staff, Taurasi’s championships came without the backing of extravagant salaries. “She built this league,” Sue Bird remarked, adding that Taurasi was “one of the reasons we even had something to fight for when it came to better pay and resources.”

Beyond the hardwood, Taurasi’s life has been as dramatic and inspiring as her game. Marrying former teammate Penny Taylor on May 13, 2017—“the most amazing and beautiful day of our lives,” she said—the duo built a life of shared triumphs. One unforgettable anecdote: after a playoff win in Las Vegas, Taurasi rushed to Phoenix, arriving just in time for Taylor to give birth. Their son arrived in 2018, followed by a daughter in 2021, further highlighting that her legacy extends well beyond basketball.

She went conquering courts across continents. While her WNBA salary earnings tallied up to an estimated $1.15 million over her career, Taurasi’s true financial triumph was forged overseas. Playing for elite clubs such as Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray Medical Park, and UMMC Ekaterinburg, she secured six EuroLeague titles and multiple championships in Russia and Turkey. At her peak abroad, she was among the highest-paid women’s basketball players in the world.

Many WNBA stars, including Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner, have mirrored this international path—earning significantly more in Europe than in the U.S. At one point, Taurasi even sat out the entire 2015 WNBA season when UMMC Ekaterinburg paid her to rest, a savvy move that both extended her career and maximized her earnings. Often earning upwards of $1.5 million per season overseas, she maintained financial stability while continuously sharpening her competitive edge. During the 2024 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, she reflected on the sacrifices made by WNBA players: “It’s a sacrifice I look back on. And it was a huge, huge sacrifice you’ve got to make for you and your families. Hopefully we can have [higher salaries] here. And we can grow the league.”

Daina Taurasi’s milestones and contract history that cemented a legacy

Taurasi’s career earnings in the WNBA come from multiple contracts she signed throughout her career. Below is a breakdown of her most notable deals:

February 18, 2023: Signed a two-year, $469,872 contract with the Phoenix Mercury.

February 1, 2021: Signed a two-year, $449,544 contract with the Phoenix Mercury.

May 16, 2017: Signed a four-year, $466,000 contract extension with the Phoenix Mercury.

2012: Signed a multi-year extension with the Phoenix Mercury.

2004: Drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury and signed her rookie-scale contract.

Throughout her time in the WNBA, all of Taurasi’s contracts were fully guaranteed, ensuring she received the entirety of her negotiated salary. Her final deal in 2023 cemented her status as one of the league’s highest-paid players, even in the later years of her career.

Diana Taurasi’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $3.5 million. While her WNBA salary contributed to this, her European contracts, endorsements, and sponsorship deals also played a significant role. Over the years, Taurasi has partnered with major brands like Nike, Gatorade, and BodyArmor, which have further boosted her earnings.

Her financial acumen, combined with her on-court success, has allowed her to remain financially stable beyond basketball.

Daina Taurasi’s enduring impact

Diana Taurasi’s impact on the game goes beyond dollars. She’s been the fiercest competitor, a true leader, and a cultural icon in women’s basketball. Her retirement isn’t just a loss for Phoenix—it marks the end of an era for the entire WNBA. With three championships (2007, 2009, 2014), a league MVP in 2009, two Finals MVPs, and countless clutch moments, she leaves behind one of the most decorated careers in the sport.

Before the Caitlin Clark era, there was Taurasi. Back in her college days, women athletes rarely made headlines, and social media was barely a thing (Facebook only launched in 2004). But winning three straight championships at Connecticut thrust any team and star player into the national spotlight. She dominated games with a swagger and confidence some might even call cocky, making her the most recognizable face in women’s basketball.

From day one, as the first overall draft pick, Diana set the standard for what a rookie could achieve. Her gameplay was electric, and the on-court chemistry she shared with her partner, Penny Taylor, really boosted the team. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that blended skill with heart in every match.

Her international teammates, including Candace Parker and Maya Moore, praised her as “one of the fiercest competitors” and “the ultimate winner.” Even rising stars like Caitlin Clark shared her admiration, saying, “Diana’s retirement marks the end of an era, and her legacy will inspire us to push our limits every single game.”

Even as she steps away, Taurasi’s impact will continue to be felt. Whether it’s through the players she’s inspired, the records she’s set, or the way she’s pushed the WNBA forward, her legacy is secure. And while she may no longer be suiting up, one thing is certain—Diana Taurasi will always be synonymous with greatness.