Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP, announced her retirement from basketball in an Instagram post on Friday.
Delle Donne, 35, expressed that her “body appeared to decide this prior to my mind agreeing with it.” The 10-year WNBA veteran has struggled with back injuries lately, participating in just 51 games since the start of the 2021 season. She missed the 2024 WNBA season after turning down a one-year supermax deal from the Washington Mystics, the team she has been with since 2017.
A children’s book I enjoy asked, “How did it become so late so quickly?” “I have repeatedly questioned myself about that while making the choice to retire from basketball,” Delle Donne posted on Instagram. “Expressing that verbally was one of the toughest aspects of my career.” My body appeared to choose this before my mind acknowledged it, but I now genuinely believe this is the correct choice for me at this moment.
Delle Donne guided the Mystics to the WNBA title in 2019, the same year she secured her second MVP accolade. In 2015, she secured her initial MVP award with the Chicago Sky, who selected her second overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Delle Donne was recognized as the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2013 and achieved seven All-Star selections throughout her career.
Before her WNBA journey, Delle Donne shined at the University of Delaware. The native of Wilmington, Delaware, was a two-time All-American who guided the Blue Hens to the Sweet 16 in 2013.
“I cannot fully convey my gratitude to my family, my phenomenal teammates, friends, executives, sponsors, staff, and especially the wonderful fans who have supported me throughout this journey,” Delle Donne stated. “This game has shaped my life, and I appreciate the memories and everything it has provided me.” It feels rewarding to finish this chapter knowing I put in my best effort, and I’m excited for what lies ahead!
Delle Donne will act as a special advisor for Monumental Basketball, which is affiliated with the organization that owns the Mystics and NBA’s Washington Wizards, as reported by ESPN.
“We are incredibly lucky that Elena is eager to dedicate part of her upcoming chapter to giving back to basketball, assisting in the growth and success of our program, and further enhancing our community,” stated Michael Wagner, president of Monumental Basketball.
