New street sign honors Diana Taurasi's WNBA-record scoring total

By Mark Carlisle
Mail | X: @mwcarlisle

Diana Taurasi’s jersey number is now hanging in rafters of Mortgage Matchup Center, and another one of her numbers is hanging outside the arena.

In a weekend celebrating the retired Mercury star, a ceremonial street sign in Taurasi’s honor was updated. The “Taurasi Way” sign has been up for nine years. It was originally erected after Taurasi became the WNBA’s all-time scoring leader on June 18, 2017.

The ceremonial address of the arena got an update on Saturday. It changed from 7489, one more than the previous WNBA scoring record held by Tina Thompson, to reflect Taurasi’s final career points total: “10646 Taurasi Way.”

The newly unveiled 10646 Taurasi Way sign in front of Mortgage Matchup Arena is shown after its unveiling on Saturday, Aug. 15.

(Courtesy Phoenix Mayor’s Office)

“I just hope when people see that last name, it symbolizes all the things that it takes to really make it. And that’s hard work, discipline, consistency. And not only that, a great community,” Taurasi said during the unveiling ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 16, sharing credit with everyone in Mercury organization.

The Mercury added Taurasi to the team’s Ring of Honor during halftime of its home game on Sunday and lifted her No. 3 jersey to hang in the rafters forever. A mural honoring Taurasi was also unveiled on Saturday.

Many consider Taurasi to be the greatest WNBA player of all time. She played 20 WNBA seasons, all with the Mercury, earning 11 All-Star appearances, 14 All-WNBA selections, five scoring titles, an MVP, three championships and two WNBA Finals MVPs. Taurasi also has a record six Olympic gold medals.

Mercury and Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein spoke to the impact of those 10,646 points on Phoenix fans.

“There were game-winners, there were step-backs, there were and-ones, looking at the ref, but those don’t capture who DT is,” Bartelstein said. “It’s the moments and memories. And you’re going to see that on Sunday, when you have people crying because they know what she means to them and their family.”

Mercury fans hold up retired Mercury player Diana Taurasi heads in the crowd during the second half of a game against the Portland Fire, Sunday, Aug. 16 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

(The Associated Press/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said Taurasi’s impact on the city went beyond basketball.

“She’s not content with just greatness on the court. She’s also been an important contributor to our community, stepping up for parents and families, fighting for equality and more,” Gallego said.

The Mercury selected Taurasi with the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft when she was 21 out of the University of Connecticut after growing up in the Los Angeles area.

“I’d never been to Phoenix before. I had no clue what this city was about,” Taurasi said. “And 20 years later, it mirrors all the things I thought were important in life, as a teammate, as a daughter and now as a mother — hardworking city, a community that brings everyone together. It mirrors all the things that it takes to be a champion in life and on the court.”

Taurasi’s last season with the Mercury was in 2024. She averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists at age 42.

Taurasi is still head-and-shoulders the all-time WNBA scoring leader. Second place is Tina Charles at 8,396, less than 80% of Taurasi’s total. In third place and the leader among active players is 38-year-old Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner at 8,188.

The bright Mercury orange street sign’s address of 10646 Taurasi Way is not the official mailing address of the arena. The mailing address listed on Mortgage Matchup Center’s website is 201 E. Jefferson St.

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Mark Carlisle
Associate Editor | Phoenix

mcarlisle@iniusa.org

Meet Mark

Mark Carlisle joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, covering Glendale. He has since moved to the Daily Independent team, primarily covering the city of Phoenix along with other topics affecting the Valley at-large.

Community: Mark enjoys taking his two young sons to parks, the Phoenix Zoo, the Phoenix Public Library  and other fun events around the Valley. He also participates in a local book club.

Education: Chapman University with a BA in English Journalism and one in Screenwriting.

Random Fact: Mark worked at a tuxedo shop in college. Just don’t ask him to tie a bowtie.

 Hobbies: Spending time with his wife, sons and dog, watching sports and TV shows, listening to audiobooks and occasionally writing fiction or designing a board game.