Mercury retire Diana Taurasi’s No. 3, welcome WNBA legend to Ring of Honor

Phoenix, Arizona experienced scorching temperatures above 100 degrees on Sunday, yet fans remained steadfast outside Mortgage Matchup Center awaiting Diana Taurasi’s halftime ceremony. The crowd proudly displayed Taurasi's jersey, anticipating the retirement of her No. 3 jersey, a significant honor for the Phoenix Mercury guard who spent two decades with the team.

"Today feels different," Taurasi remarked before the Mercury faced Portland Fire. "When your number goes up there, you can’t use it anymore. It’s done. So, if there was any little competitiveness still in me, I think today it goes up in the rafters with the number, and it feels really good to know that."

Taurasi concluded her 20-year WNBA career on February 25, 2025, setting records as the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, three-time champion, 11-time All-Star, 2009 MVP, five-time scoring champion, six-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time Finals MVP, and 10-time first-team All-WNBA player. In recognition of her achievements, the Mercury and Phoenix celebrated her career, naming a street "10646 Taurasi Way" and unveiling a mural of her likeness outside the arena.

Taurasi participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for three refurbished outdoor courts and joined other Mercury legends in the Ring of Honor.

Team owner Mat Ishbia, who also leads the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, welcomed Taurasi on court during halftime. Her family, including wife Michele Timms, gathered to witness the induction. Taurasi's speech served as an appetizer, leading to a more extensive ceremony later in the game. Praise came from various notable attendees, including Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes, and retired Arizona Cardinals Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald.