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Legendary Women's Basketball Player Announces Retirement At 35

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 11:57 AM ET

Women's basketball fans are getting ready for a set of Final Four matchups on Friday evening, but one of the game's all-time great players is ending their career with a retirement announcement.

Elena Delle Donne has retired from basketball on Friday, ending a career that saw success at the collegiate, professional and international levels.

"My body seemed to make this decision before my mind accepted it but I now truly know this is the right thing for me at the right time," Delle Donne said on Instagram Friday.

"Words cannot adequately express how thankful I am to my family, all of my incredible teammates, friends, executives, sponsors, staff and most importantly the amazing fans that have accompanied me on this journey."

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Delle Donne was a star in college for the Delaware Blue Hens, choosing to remain close to home as a five-star recruit despite offers from schools like UConn.

After a stellar college career, she was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Delle Donne won the Rookie of the Year award in her first season, and would be named league MVP for the first time two years later.

Delle Donne was traded to the Washington Mystics in 2017. She continued to excel as one of the league's best players, making more All-Star appearances in Washington.

The Mystics were able to put everything together in 2019, winning their first championship in franchise history. Delle Donne won league MVP for the second time that year, becoming the first player in WNBA history to record a 50-40-90 season. To date, she's still the only player to accomplish that feat.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: Basketball player Elena Delle Donne poses for a portrait during the Team USA Tokyo 2020 Olympics shoot on November 21, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Delle Donne also won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Games in Rio, as well as a World Cup gold medal in 2018.

"This game has been my life and I am grateful for the memories and how much it’s given me. It feels good to close this chapter knowing I gave it my all and I can’t wait for what’s next," Delle Donne said in her announcement.

Delle Donne is a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time. Hats off to her on a great career and well-deserved congratulations in retirement.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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