PHOENIX — Before the Phoenix Mercury celebrate one of the most accomplished and dynamic players in franchise history Sunday, the city of Phoenix has already honored Diana Taurasi.
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The new street sign for Diana Taurasi at 1st Street and Jefferson Street in Phoenix on Aug. 13, 2026. Credits: Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mercury legend’s legacy won’t just be cemented inside Mortgage Matchup Center, where her No. 3 jersey will hang in the rafters, but outside the arena as well. During an unveiling Thursday morning, Jefferson Street in downtown Phoenix was officially renamed 10646 Taurasi Way in honor of the Mercury legend.
The 10,646 represents Taurasi’s WNBA-leading career point total, a record that has stood as the standard for scoring excellence in the league. It’s a fitting tribute for a player whose career has been defined by longevity, competitiveness and an ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Taurasi was joined at the unveiling by her family, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Mercury team president Josh Bartelstein.
Diana Taurasi’s name will forever live outside Mortgage Matchup Center.
The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer had her point total updated on the street sign outside the arena ahead of her Ring of Honor ceremony on Sunday.@azfamily pic.twitter.com/9kP4WkumEg
— Griffin S. DeMarrais (@GDeMarraisTV) August 13, 2026
“When I think of the 20 years that I spent here, I get really emotional because I came here as a little kid. I was 21, I guess that’s not little, but it was in my head,” Taurasi said to reporters, according to Arizona Family. “And I’d never been to Phoenix before. I had no clue what this city was about. And 20 years later, it mirrors all the things that I thought were important in life as a teammate, as a daughter, and now as a mother. [A] hardworking city, a community that brings everyone together.”
But the street name is more than just a tribute to her accomplishments.
Diana Taurasi (right) poses for photos with her daughter, Isla Taurasi-Taylor (4) and the Phoenix Mercurys mascot, Scorch (left), after her new mural was unveiled at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 13, 2026. Credits: Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It honors a player who transformed the Mercury into one of the league’s most recognizable franchises and became synonymous with basketball in the Valley. Over the course of her career, she won three championships, six Olympic gold medals and countless individual honors while building a connection with the city and its fans that few athletes ever achieve.
That’s what makes Thursday’s unveiling — and Sunday’s celebration — about more than simply looking back. It’s a celebration of the memories Taurasi created and a reminder of why her name carries so much weight in Phoenix. Now, every time someone drives down 10646 Taurasi Way, they’ll be reminded of it.
Aug 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) celebrates her 10,000 career point milestone with teammates after the game against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
“It mirrors all the things that it takes to be a champion in life and on the court,” she said. “And 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.”
With her name on the street and her number soon to join the rafters, Taurasi’s legacy will continue to live at the heart of the Mercury.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
