Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Mercury will have two new practice courts dedicated to franchise legend Diana Taurasi ahead of 2024 WNBA All-Star weekend, according to ESPN’s Michael Voepel.
The Mercury announced that the practice courts will be part of the team’s new $70 million practice facility, with the grand opening set for “next week.” The courts will be named after Taurasi and will feature logos inspired by her.
Phoenix Mercury @PhoenixMercury
She’s dedicated her career to us for 20 years, now we’re dedicating the courts to our 3x WNBA Champion, 6x Olympian, and 11x All-Star!
The Phoenix Mercury and owner Mat Ishbia will celebrate the official grand opening of the Mercury’s new state-of-the-art, $70 million practice… pic.twitter.com/Ie4if0FGoR
The 42-year-old is in the midst of her 20th season with the organization and recently earned the 11th All-Star nod of her exceptional career. Taurasi is already the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and currently ranks No. 5 on the all-time assists leaderboard.
She’s won three championships since she entered the league with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft and will be attempting to secure her sixth Olympic gold medal with the United States during the upcoming Paris Games.
Matt Ishbia, the owner of the Mercury and the Phoenix Suns, was excited to recognize Taurasi with the WNBA All-Star Game set to occur in the city.
“It worked out perfectly: getting the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix and being able to honor who I consider is the greatest of all time,” Ishbia said, per Voepel. “And she’s just a great person and great player. Putting her name on the court is something everyone will see in the future to always remember Diana Taurasi played here.”
While Taurasi is still continuing her incredible career and building upon her record-breaking accomplishments, she’ll remain a staple of the Mercury organization and be honored in the team’s facilities long after her playing days are over.
