Diana Taurasi never minced words and was direct with her statements and opinions. With the ongoing CBA discussions, the Mercury star mentioned that she deserved pay like Kobe Bryant for being the best basketball player in the world.
Even though the star retired ahead of the 2025 season, her words and feelings behind them still hold a huge impact on the league, just like her on-court performances impacted the Mercury team’s fate.
Recently, the franchise followed up with their earlier declaration about retiring Taurasi’s jersey as they shared more details on social media.
Special Honor For Diana Taurasi From Mercury Franchise
Playing for the single franchise for nearly two decades, the former UConn star will receive a special honor as per the update. The Mercury side will induct its most decorated star into the franchise’s Ring of Honor when the team hosts the Portland Fire on Aug. 16.
“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. We look forward to celebrating her legendary career as we raise her name and number to the rafters,” said Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia in the official statement.
The accolades are just the introduction.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) March 3, 2026
For 20 years, she changed the game.
🎟️ https://t.co/vagPrFaiel pic.twitter.com/PirgzIA1km
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The franchise will also retire her jersey no.3 during the event. With that, the player will join Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom (22), Bridget Pettis (32), Penny Taylor (13) and Michele Timms (7) in the team’s Ring of Honor.
Apart from being the most explosive scorer in the league, DT inspired many female basketball stars to take the game as their profession. Also, the three-time champion is still the only player in the league to cross the 10K points mark in the league.
While the franchise had positive news for the veteran guard, ESPN decided to pack her show in their major shake-up.
ESPN Wrap Up Diana Taurasi-Sue Bird’s Show
ESPN is already looking for major changes ahead of the 2026 WNBA Season. They are using Malika Andrews for WNBA’s top show broadcasting after Elle Duncan secured a new WNBA broadcasting role following departure from ESPN.
With March Madness coming up, ESPN senior vice president Meg Aronowitz says it’s time to “reimagine” the concept. “We are reimagining what we call our alternate telecast,” Aronowitz said. “We are grateful for Sue and Diana and our time with them, but we’re going to rethink how we bring viewers that alternate experience.”
BREAKING- According to senior vice president of production at ESPN Meg Aronowitz, the Bird and Taurasi Show will not return for this year's Women's Final Four.
— Aya Abdeen (@ayabdeen) February 24, 2026
That concept is being reimagined. #WNBA
There is no confirmed replacement from the broadcasters yet, but fans will certainly miss the expert takes from two of the legends of the game.