Diana Taurasi, one of the most legendary figures in women’s basketball, has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million as of 2024. Born on June 11, 1982, in Glendale, California, Taurasi is currently 41 years old. Over her illustrious career, she has amassed wealth from her WNBA contracts, overseas basketball earnings, and endorsements. Despite the WNBA’s salary limitations, she has earned significant sums playing internationally, particularly in Russia.
How Did Diana Taurasi Begin Her Basketball Journey?
Taurasi’s basketball journey started in her early years in Chino, California. Raised by Argentine immigrant parents, her father Mario was a former professional soccer player in Italy. Encouraged by her family, Taurasi developed into an outstanding basketball player during her high school years at Don Antonio Lugo High School.
Her exceptional talent was widely recognized as she received multiple accolades, including the Cheryl Miller Award and Parade Magazine’s National High School Player of the Year in 2000. She was also the MVP of the WBCA High School All-America Game, ranking fourth in California state history in total scoring.
How Successful Was Diana Taurasi in College Basketball?
Taurasi attended the University of Connecticut (UConn) and became a key player for the Huskies. Under the guidance of legendary coach Geno Auriemma, she led UConn to three consecutive NCAA championships from 2002 to 2004. Her college career was decorated with numerous awards, including the 2003 and 2004 Honda Sports Awards and the Associated Press Player of the Year title in 2003. She solidified herself as one of the greatest college players of all time before making the jump to professional basketball.
How Did Taurasi’s WNBA Career Begin?
Diana Taurasi was the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, selected by the Phoenix Mercury. Despite joining a team that had struggled the previous season with an 8-26 record, she made an immediate impact. In her debut season, she averaged 17 points per game and was named WNBA Rookie of the Year. Although the team did not make the playoffs, she quickly became a centerpiece of the Mercury franchise.
What Are Taurasi’s Major Achievements in the WNBA?
Taurasi has had a stellar WNBA career, setting multiple records and winning numerous accolades. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- WNBA Champion (2007, 2009, 2014) – Leading the Mercury to three league titles.
- WNBA MVP (2009) – Dominating the league as both a scorer and leader.
- All-Time WNBA Leading Scorer (2023) – Becoming the first player to reach 10,000 career points.
- Scoring Champion (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) – Leading the league in scoring multiple times.
- WNBA Finals MVP (2009, 2014) – Delivering when it mattered most in championship games.
In 2017, she became the first WNBA player to record over 7,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 1,500 assists. Her longevity and consistent performance have made her one of the greatest players in league history.
How Much Does Diana Taurasi Earn?
Despite her legendary status, WNBA salaries remain modest compared to their NBA counterparts. Taurasi currently earns the league’s maximum salary, which is $221,000 per season. However, she has significantly boosted her earnings by playing overseas. During her time with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, she reportedly made over $1.5 million per season—a stark contrast to her WNBA paycheck.
Why Did Taurasi Skip a WNBA Season for Russia?
In 2015, UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian basketball team, paid Taurasi to sit out the WNBA season so she could rest and be in peak condition for the EuroLeague season. The financial incentives for playing overseas far outweighed her WNBA salary, making the decision an easy one. She continued playing in Russia until retiring from European basketball in 2017.
What Is Taurasi’s International Legacy?
Beyond her club career, Taurasi has been an integral part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. She has represented the U.S. in five Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021), winning gold medals in each tournament. Her leadership and clutch performances have made her a cornerstone of Team USA’s dominance in women’s basketball.
How Has Taurasi’s Career Been Affected by Injuries?
Despite her dominance, Taurasi has faced several injuries that have sidelined her throughout her career. In 2012, she played only eight games due to a hip injury, and in 2019, she was limited to just six games because of back and hamstring issues. However, her ability to bounce back and continue performing at an elite level has been remarkable.
Who Is Diana Taurasi Married To?
Taurasi married former teammate Penny Taylor on May 13, 2017. Taylor, a former WNBA star, later transitioned to a front-office role as the Phoenix Mercury Director of Player Development and Performance. The couple’s relationship, built on mutual love for the game, has been an inspiration to many.
Does Diana Taurasi Have Children?
Yes, Taurasi and Taylor have two children. Their first child, Leo Michael Taurasi-Taylor, was born in March 2018. In October 2021, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter. Taurasi famously played a crucial playoff game for the Mercury before rushing to the hospital just in time to witness her daughter’s birth.
What Is Taurasi’s Legacy in Women’s Basketball?
Diana Taurasi’s impact on basketball extends beyond records and championships. She has been a trailblazer, pushing the limits of what women’s basketball players can achieve. Her competitiveness, leadership, and ability to deliver in clutch moments have set her apart from her peers.
As she continues her career, she remains a role model for young athletes, proving that longevity and excellence can go hand in hand. Whether on the WNBA court or representing Team USA, Taurasi’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
