CHICAGO — For a player whose competitiveness has often involved conversations with officials throughout her career, Diana Taurasi’s latest stance on WNBA refereeing is simple: Stop making it the story.
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Dec 31, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) smiles after the Memphis Grizzlies win at the end of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Over the last few years, complaints about the league’s officiating have taken over postgame conversations among players, media and fans. But the Phoenix Mercury legend — and one of the league’s most respected voices — believes the debate has become overblown.
“Coming from me, this is gonna sound funny,” Taurasi said, according to USA Today’s Meghan L. Hall. “The reffing? Just get over it… It hasn’t changed in 30 years. It’s the same old people.”
Diana Taurasi on the officiating in the WNBA, via @ItsMeghanLHall:
“Coming from me, this is gonna sound funny … Just get over it.”
“It hasn’t changed in 30 years. It’s the same old people.” pic.twitter.com/3ShL6YA429
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 25, 2026
What makes those comments notable isn’t just that they’re coming from a basketball pioneer. It’s that they’re coming from Taurasi, one of the most outspoken competitors the league has ever seen.
Throughout her 20-year career, Taurasi has become known for challenging calls, earning technical fouls and establishing herself as one of the WNBA’s fiercest competitors. That’s why her latest message stands out: She’s urging players to stop making referees the center of every conversation.
May 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) moves the ball against Chicago Sky guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Missed calls often overshadow standout performances, dramatic finishes and the league’s continued growth. Taurasi isn’t dismissing the reality that officials miss calls. Instead, she’s arguing the conversation surrounding officiating has become disproportionate to the game itself.
As the WNBA continues its rapid rise, every controversial call is amplified. But Taurasi’s comments suggest those moments shouldn’t define the league.
Jul 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Staples Center. The Mercury defeated the Sparks 90-84. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
From one of the game’s fiercest competitors, the message to the players of today is to let the officials do their jobs and keep the spotlight on the basketball.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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