WNBA’s all-time top scorer Taurasi returns

Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, has signed a multi-year deal to stay with Phoenix Mercury.

The deal means the 40-year-old Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion whose name has been featured throughout the Mercury franchise’s record books, will play at least a 19th season in the league in 2023.

“Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued confidence she is demonstrating in our organization by returning year after year,” said Jim Pitman, Mercury general manager.

The deal also means Taurasi could once again play with Brittney Griner, who was released from a Russian penal colony on a prisoner swap last year and has since announced she will be returning to the Mercury.

Taurasi, who was selected overall by Mercury in the 2004 WNBA draft, holds franchise records — either straight or tied — in 16 categories, including seasons, points made, defensive rebounds, assists, and steals.

A five-time Olympic champion, Taurasi averaged 16.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds during the 2022 season.

Taurasi added another honor to her resume last July when she became the only player in WNBA/NBA history to score a 30-point game aged 40 or older, alongside NBA greats Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki.

“The way she prepares her body, how much she cares about winning and how much she cares about our franchise – on and off the court – are just a few of the things that make her a supreme athlete and literally make it the greatest of all time,” Pitman said.

“We look forward to more awards, more historic moments and more victories.”

The 2023 WNBA regular season is scheduled to begin on May 19.