Overview
- The Phoenix Mercury retired Taurasi’s No. 3 and inducted her into the team’s Ring of Honor during a sellout halftime ceremony on Aug. 16, 2026, with the banner now hanging in the Mortgage Matchup Center rafters.
- The event featured high‑profile tributes and in‑arena promotions such as appearances and messages from athletes and celebrities, a goat-themed celebration, commemorative shirts on every seat, and a postgame presentation of 20 former teammates and coaches.
- Taurasi used the ceremony to thank Phoenix and said the banner made her retirement feel final, while expressing interest in possible future involvement with the franchise such as ownership.
- The Mercury lost the game 88–85 to the Portland Fire, a contest that included Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner leading the offense, Kelsey Plum absent with a leg injury, and Alyssa Thomas hitting only her second career three‑pointer late in the fourth quarter.
- Taurasi’s 20‑season résumé — 10,646 WNBA points, three championships, a 2009 MVP, two Finals MVPs, 11 All‑Star nods and six Olympic gold medals — underpins broad GOAT recognition and means she will be first eligible for Naismith Hall of Fame consideration in 2027.