It's Diana Taurasi's World, and We Are Living in It
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
Talk about court-ship goals! With much fanfare and star-studded glamor, the Phoenix Mercury unveiled their shiny new $100 million, 58,000-square-foot practice facility, and has two courts named after none other than the legendary Diana Taurasi.
Taurasi, the White Mamba, has made heads turn since she was drafted first overall in 2004. With three WNBA championships and the honor of being the league’s all-time leading scorer, Taurasi’s resume reads like a basketball fairy tale. And just last season, she became the first WNBA player to break the 10,000-point barrier. And with her giving the sassiest post-game interviews, she’s practically Superwoman.
So, what does the basketball icon do when she’s not busy preparing for her sixth Olympic Games (yeah, you read that right, sixth!) and chasing her sixth gold medal? Well, she gets a state-of-the-art practice facility named after her, of course. The two full-sized courts at this new facility, complete with her custom logo, are proof of Taurasi’s impact on the game.
Phoenix Mercury
"This week, I've had a lot of time to reflect with the Olympic team, the All-Star Game here. This is special. This sets the bar for every basketball team — NBA and WNBA," Taurasi said. "It's a special place. Mat Ishbia has made it a point to make sure the history of this franchise, both the Suns and Mercury, live forever."
Mat Ishbia, the team’s owner since February 2023, isn’t just paying lip service to supporting women’s sports—he is putting his money where his mouth is. He wasn't kidding when he announced this ambitious project in October 2023. The Mercury's new headquarters, which opened in April, was just the appetizer. The practice facility? It’s the main course, dessert, and a nightcap all rolled into one. Ishbia’s commitment is clear: the Mercury deserves the best, and he’s ensuring they get it.
"Diana is one of the best players ever to play," Ishbia said. “She is synonymous with the name Phoenix Mercury, Diana Taurasi. You can't build an arena or a court without having her name or recognition here. I was honored that she let me do it when I called and wanted to do it with her. It's going to be a thing that is going to live here so in 30 years people will still remember Diana Taurasi on the practice court. Her work ethic, her attitude. She is one of the hardest working players of all time, so having it here in the practice facility matters."
The opening timing is perfect, too, as the Mercury gear up to host the WNBA's 2024 All-Star Weekend.
Matt York/AP Photo
This facility isn’t just a fancy new building with recovery pools and expansive locker rooms; it’s a symbol. It’s a loud, neon-lit sign that says women’s sports are worth every penny of investment and then some. And it’s about time, right?
As Taurasi packs her bags for Paris, ready to add another gold medal to her already overflowing collection, she leaves behind a legacy that’s now literally set in stone—or, in this case, hardwood floor. Her journey from a bright-eyed rookie to a basketball deity is a tale of determination, greatness, and a whole lot of three-pointers.
One thing is clear: the future of women’s basketball is here, and it’s brighter than ever. And if Taurasi has anything to say about it (and she always does), the best is yet to come.