Three-time WNBA champion Diana Taurasi will be officially inducted into the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor on August 16, 2026. The ceremony will take place at the Mortgage Matchup Center when the Mercury face the new franchise Portland Fire, following Taurasi’s announcement to retire before the 2025 season.
Fans can purchase tickets for this special Sunday afternoon game through the Mercury’s official website as they prepare to celebrate Taurasi’s remarkable career.
A Historic Legacy Marked by Unmatched Achievements
Diana Taurasi holds the WNBA’s all-time scoring record with 10,646 points and is the only basketball player in Olympic history to win six gold medals spanning from 2004 to 2024. Her induction will place her alongside five other notable figures in the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor, including Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis, Penny Taylor, and Michele Timms.
During the pregame ceremony, the Mercury will retire Taurasi’s No. 3 jersey, officially retiring the number as a tribute to her enduring impact on the team and league.
Accomplishments Reflecting a Stellar Two-Decade Career
Throughout her 20 seasons with the Mercury, Taurasi earned league MVP honors in 2009, was selected to the All-WNBA team 14 times, and reached the WNBA Finals on four occasions (2007, 2009, 2014, and 2021). Her presence helped solidify Phoenix’s position as a competitive force in women’s basketball.
The Phoenix Suns, who share the arena with the Mercury, extended their congratulations to Taurasi on social media, highlighting her lasting influence and relationship with the team and its players.
Congrats, DT 👏
Diana Taurasi will be inducted into the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor on August 16th 💜 pic.twitter.com/JJiNhQ7Bu3
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 3, 2026
Recognition from Ownership and Link to Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
Mat Ishbia, owner of both the Phoenix Mercury and Suns, praised Taurasi’s career as one that set the highest standard for excellence in women’s basketball, remarking on her unique approach to winning, competing, and leading.
For two decades, Diana set the standard for what it means to win, compete and lead at the highest level, doing it in a way that was uniquely hers,
Ishbia said.
We look forward to celebrating her legendary career as we raise her name and number to the rafters.
In addition to the Ring of Honor induction, Taurasi will enter the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame on April 9, 2026. She will be inducted alongside notable Arizona sports figures such as multi-sport athlete Michael Bates, swim coach Frank Busch, skydiving icon Craig Girard, MLB veteran J.J. Hardy, soccer coach Michael Pantalione, and Olympic bronze medalist George Young.
Enduring Influence on Phoenix and Women’s Basketball
Diana Taurasi’s Ring of Honor induction marks a significant moment for the Phoenix Mercury and women’s professional basketball, recognizing one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Her legacy is celebrated not only by teammates and fans but by the broader Arizona sports community.
As the Mercury continue to grow and evolve with new players and emerging talent, Taurasi’s name in the rafters will serve as a lasting symbol of excellence, inspiring future generations on and off the court.
https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury/status/2028938554085343555
https://twitter.com/Suns/status/2028941204327649717
