Phoenix Mercury Retires Diana Taurasi’s Jersey, Honors WNBA Legend with Ring of Honor Induction

Diana Taurasi’s legacy with the Phoenix Mercury was cemented Sunday when the franchise formally inducted the basketball icon into its Ring of Honor and retired her No. 3 jersey during a halftime ceremony against the Portland Fire. The honor marked the culmination of a 20-year tenure with the organization that has defined both her career and the franchise’s identity in Arizona.

Taurasi, 44, played for the Mercury from 2004 through 2024, accumulating an extraordinary resume that includes 11 All-Star selections, three WNBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and the 2009 regular-season MVP. She stands as the league’s all-time leading scorer with a margin exceeding 2,000 points and has earned five scoring titles alongside six Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team.

Standing before thousands of supporters in the arena, Taurasi reflected on her relationship with the franchise and its devoted fan base, known as the “X-Factor.” She emphasized the deep personal connections she developed throughout her two decades in Phoenix, describing the organization as an extended family rather than simply an employer.

The ceremony drew significant attendance with a sellout crowd of 16,513 fans, many wearing Taurasi’s retired No. 3 jersey despite August temperatures exceeding 105 degrees. Tributes came from prominent figures including Suns guard Devin Booker, fellow basketball star Brittney Griner, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Larry Fitzgerald.

Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts underscored what fans throughout Arizona have long believed: that Taurasi represents the greatest player in WNBA history. The induction ceremony featured creative fan engagement elements, including goats grazing near the baseline—a reference to the “G.O.A.T.” designation—and a toy toss game for supporters.