Dramatic headline alert: Diana Taurasi’s legacy gets a permanent place in Phoenix. But here’s the twist you’ll want to know first: the Mercury are poised to enshrine Taurasi and her No. 3 jersey in the Ring of Honor, marking a crowning moment for a two-decade-long dynasty in Arizona basketball.
On August 16, the Phoenix Mercury will honor Taurasi’s storied 20-year tenure with the franchise, a journey that began when she was selected first overall in the 2004 WNBA draft. Her impact spans all three of the team’s WNBA titles—2007, 2009, and 2014—and culminated in February 2025 when she retired as the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Taurasi becomes the Mercury’s sixth inductee into the Ring of Honor. She joins former coach and general manager Cheryl Miller, and former Mercury greats Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis, Penny Taylor, and Michele Timms in this high honor.
“For twenty years, Diana redefined what it means to win, to compete, and to lead at the game’s highest level—consistently and unmistakably in her own style,” Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia stated in the press release. “We’re excited to celebrate her legendary career as we raise her name and number to the rafters.”
The ceremony will take place during the Mercury’s game against the Portland Fire, with attendance expected from Mercury legends, former teammates, coaches, and Taurasi’s family.
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