What is Diana Taurasi's Net Worth?

By Jocelyn Alano August 20, 2024 07:16

Photo by Matt York/AP

The name Diana Taurasi brings greatness to women's basketball to mind. Her legendary career on the hardwood as one of the most successful players to ever play in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has contributed to her net worth, making headlines and attracting sports-based media establishments. In this article, we look at Taurasi's net worth, her bio, the revenue streams he brings, and much more.

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Who is Diana Taurasi?

Early Years and Career Establishment

Dian Taurasi was born and raised in Glendale, California, on June 11, 1982, to Argentine parents. She comes from a sports-oriented family, and her father played professional soccer in Argentina. Taurasi's athletic talents became apparent at an early age. She played high school basketball for Don Antonio Lugo High School, where the team went on to win titles during both years.

The Phoenix Mercury drafted her as the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft. She had an immediate impact, as in her rookie season, a key role on the Mercury for their run to win the WNBA championship, making Taurasi one of eight players all-time to have won an NCAA title and Olympic Gold Medal. Taurasi, who has won multiple WNBA championships, MVP awards, and Olympic gold medals during her career, could soon land her on the Mount Rushmore of women's basketball greats.

Income Sources

WNBA Salary

According to reports, Diana Taurasi has the highest salary in all the WNBA ($221,000 per year). The figure suggests she's among the top players in the league, indicative of what they think is her on-court value. Taurasi continues to leave her options open for playing overseas, largely due to how much more she can make when compared with what is believed to be the WNBA maximum available on a base contract.

Endorsement Deals

That value adds to Taurasi's marketability off the court. In addition to major endorsement deals with Nike, JBL, and Body Armor, among others, she has partnered with Waymo and several other large-scale companies. They account for a large sum of money, and one can assume that in an average year, they could tack hundreds of thousands more dollars onto her annual earnings.

Expand business & Investments

Taurasi also stands to draw more all-around cash, but the vast money has come from her entrepreneurial-driven investments. How Diana used her wins epitomizes the smart-thinking financial planner and the not-giving-up sports industry member she thrives to become now that she's pushed pause on retirement.

Current Net Worth

Diana Taurasi's net worth reached $3.5 million in 2024, a product of her 20-year career as a professional basketball player, which included income from the WNBA, overseas contracts with teams in Russia and China, and many endorsement deals and investments.

Components of Net Worth

WNBA Salary: Around $221K per year.
Foreign Income: At Least $1 million per season for playing in Europe.
Endorsements: Several hundred thousand dollars per year.

Long-Term Net Worth Changes In Review

Diana's net worth has increased over time. She made most of her money as a pro Basketball player, but by today's standards, the salary was nowhere near what she earns annually. Player salaries have followed suit as the WNBA has gained more traction and financial stability.

Taurasi was at her peak earning years when she played overseas and thus experienced significant growth in net worth. Still, when you look at her overall career earnings with endorsements included in that equation, a projected $28 million payout over eight years for some stars like Caitlin Clark these days, Taurasi's paydays are evidence of the haves and have-nots among athletes across different generations.

Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and others have impressive net worths in part because each has a healthy contract and is flourishing off the court. Yet Taurasi's extensive career and position as the WNBA's all-time leading scorer are unlike many others in the league when it comes to where she stands on its financial strata.

Wealth Management & Financial Planning

Diana Taurasi on keeping wealth in perspective: "I'm not going to walk around with $200,000 cash." She has also shown that she gets it, as in the importance of repurposing cash through endorsements and investment. While she sees the event as a play to secure her financial future, by investing in companies like TMRW Sports, she can take an active role that recoups money and contributes meaningfully to sports.

Diana Taurasi's net value is $3.5 million. Her net worth is a reflection of her exceptional career and the robust professional path she has charted. As she continues to influence the game and its commercial aspects, her legacy as one of women's basketball's greatest ambassadors remains undeniable.