The WNBA may be entering a new era, but one of its building blocks, Tina Charles, announced her retirement from the game. At the end of the 2025 season, Charles shared an emotional message for the Connecticut Sun fanbase, playing her final season with the franchise that drafted her in 2010, and now she hung up her shoes after an impressive career.
The WNBA star finished her career as the highest rebounder and second-highest scorer, behind Dina Taurasi. She shared a heartfelt message for the league, showcasing her love for the game.
Tina Charles Announces Retirement From WNBA
The New CBA allowed players to earn millions per season, and they are looking to take advantage of it to extend their careers. The veteran forward, though, decided to retire from the game after 15 years in the league. Although she will be part of a massive pay increase in 2026, the player will be eligible for one-time post-retirement earnings for her service to the league.
The player broke the news on a social media post, and the eight-time All-Star wrote, “Today, I officially announce my retirement from basketball. Fifteen years at the professional level and a lifetime of love for this game. I’ve experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, and I’m thankful for all of it. Through it all, I learned how to show up.”
It was all a dream.. pic.twitter.com/YtComVxYYN
— Tina Charles (@tinacharles31) May 5, 2026
The Connecticut Sun drafted her as the first overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft and won the Rookie of the Year accolade. She even won the 2012 MVP award while playing for the Sun, and moved to the Liberty franchise the next season.
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Representing the national side, Charles won three gold medals at the Olympics and also three World Cups. The star finished her career with 17.8 points and nine rebounds per game over 473 games. Charles even played in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league in the 2026 season.
WNBA Pays Tribute To Tina Charles Following Her Retirement Announcement
The league is once again establishing relationships with players and showing its gratitude to legends like Charles. Cathy Engelbert shared a statement acknowledging her impact in the league.
The statement reads, “Tina Charles has defined excellence and consistency throughout one of the most remarkable careers in WNBA history. From earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors to being named league MVP, to becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer, Tina’s impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.”
1 of 1.
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 5, 2026
Thank you for an incredible journey, Tina Charles 🧡 pic.twitter.com/rE1JhUzcCA
The commissioner added that the veteran forward represents the very best of the WNBA and also thanked the player for her contribution to the league and community.