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By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In downtown Phoenix, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi took center stage in a sleek new facility, surrounded by former and current teammates, marking another accolade in her 20-year career.

The star-studded assembly also included Cheryl Miller, the Mercury’s inaugural head coach and current leader of the Team WNBA All-Star squad, Taurasi’s teammate Brittney Griner and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The scene Thursday unfolded within the Mercury’s newly unveiled $100 million, 58,000-square-foot practice facility, a state-of-the-art complex that boasts two full-sized courts named in Taurasi’s honor. The Diana Taurasi Courts, featuring a unique logo inspired by the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, stand as a testament to her impact on the game and the franchise.

“It’s actually kind of nice,” Taurasi said Thursday. “A lot of times, the things that you’ve always wanted usually come way later down the line, and to be able to enjoy and actually be here with my team for the second half of the season, we’ve come a long way.

“I can’t say how much Mat (Ishbia) has impacted this franchise, and he’s just found a way to push the limits of everything. Not only building this facility, and the time he’s built it but bringing (All-Star Weekend) here. He’s just changed the whole perception of what the city and his franchise looks and feels like.”

Taurasi’s legacy as one of the best scorers and trash-talkers in league history is cemented by her numerous achievements. As the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, she has led the Mercury to three WNBA championships in four appearances, become an 11-time WNBA All-Star and earned two WNBA Finals MVP awards.

Taurasi will star on the U.S. Women’s National Team, along with Griner, in Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game against the WNBA All-Stars as part of the league’s weekend showcase at Footprint Center. Seven years ago, Taurasi surpassed Tina Thompson to become the league’s all-time leading scorer, a feat etched on the street to the arena’s entrance in her honor, with “7489 Taurasi Way.”

Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia continues his commitment to women’s basketball since taking over both teams as an owner last year. The Phoenix Mercury are ranked fourth among the most valuable teams in the WNBA, with a value of $105 million, according to Sportico.

Not only does winning matter to him, but building the family culture on and off the court matters the most.

“When I bought it seemed a little less than 18 months ago, we talked about Suns and the Mercury, we’re going to put them on a pedestal, and we’re going to treat them great,” Ishbia said. “We’re the best in bulk, and of all the things we talked about, it’s easy to say, it’s sometimes harder to do, and so seeing it come to fruition is not because of me, it’s because it’s an amazing team. … We got a great team of people here. I inherited a great team of people, and I’m very lucky to work with them and so honored to put something like this together.”

Mercury players and coaching staff will have around-the-clock access to a state-of-the-art practice facility. The facility features courtside technologies that provide performance analytics. Additionally, there is a strength and cardio training area, turf training areas, a functional movement area and a team meeting room.

When it comes to rest and recovery, the team has access to a physician’s room and testing area, a recovery and hydrotherapy room and two massage rooms. Players will also have access to a lounge area with a full kitchen and a private chef, as well as a snack and smoothie bar.

“It’s pretty incredible,” said Rebecca Lobo, an ESPN Analyst and former WNBA player. “She’s done so much for this Phoenix community. You know, she’s not only been in the league for 20 years, but she’s been with the same franchise for 20 years, but the three championships and so much more.

“And so certainly she’s worthy of not only on the court but the street name outside of the arena, because everybody should always think when they think about the Phoenix Mercury Basketball, Diana (Taurasi) should be at the top of the list of the people they have to think about.”

Since April 2023, the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, and Phoenix Mercury have unveiled their own practice facilities. This sets the standard for investment in women’s basketball, paving the way for a brighter future.

“It’s incredible,” Lobo said. “We’ve seen it in different places around the league. …These women are worthy of that. And it’s exciting to see the investment that’s being put into (it).”

Ishbia’s investment in the Mercury franchise could help attract future free agents coming into the city with the new practice facility and, more importantly, grow the game. This season, the WNBA has been breaking records in viewership and fan interactions, thanks in part to the draft class featuring Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Additionally, the league has provided charter flights for all teams across the league and has plans to expand to the Bay Area and Toronto.

“Is (the practice facility) going to help us draw more free agents that want to come here? Yes, it will,” Ishbia said. “I hope it’s a short-term, competitive advantage. And I hope the rest of the league rises up. That’s what it’s about. …I want to win the championship with the Phoenix Mercury. We want to have the most champs of all time, we have three. The number one thing is for me that we’re going to pass that, but I want the whole thing to rise up.

“I think there’s a great inflection point of this league right now. And that’s why we want to make this WNBA All-Star (weekend) like no other.”

WNBA All-Star Weekend kicks off Friday, featuring the league’s best players, activities and events centered around fans. WNBA Live will take place Friday and Saturday at the Phoenix Convention Center, where fans and players can interact and buy gear. The skills challenge and 3-point contest are Friday night, followed by Saturday night’s game.

“This week, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect with the Olympic team with all-star being here,” Taurasi said. “With this core, just seeing old teammates. It’s a special place. And Mat’s made it a point to really make sure that the history of this franchise, both the Suns and the Mercury, live forever.”

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