Elena Delle Donne announces retirement after 10 seasons

“One of my favorite children’s books asked, ‘How did it get so late so soon?'” Delle Donne wrote on Instagram. “I have asked myself that over and over again in the process of coming to the decision to retire from playing basketball. Being able to say that out loud was one of the hardest parts of my career. 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 was the second overall pick in 2013 by Chicago, where she played for four years. During her time there, she made the All-Star team in each of her first three seasons. She also won her first MVP award in 2015. After the 2016 season, she was traded to the Washington Mystics and immediately made an impact. She helped the team get to the semifinals in her first season. In 2018, the University of Delaware alum helped lead her squad to the Finals for the first time in franchise history, however, they came up short, losing against the Seattle Storm.

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2019 was a monumental year for Delle Donne as she secured her second MVP award and became the first WNBA player to join the 50-40-90 club. She also set various records for both the franchise and the league at that time — highest points per game average in franchise history (89.3), highest free throw percentage in a season in WNBA history (87.5) and most assists per game (21.9) in WNBA history, according to the Mystics press release.

In 2019, Delle Donne also led the Mystics to its first and only WNBA championship while playing with three herniated disks. The forward opted out of the 2020 season because of health concerns and played limited games because of her back issues in 2021. She continued to play 25 games in 2022 and 23 in 2023, per ESPN.

The WNBA shared a post on X of WNBA players congratulating Delle Donne on her retirement. “Thank you for inspiring me,” Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink wrote. “ Delle!! You’re not only an incredible player but an even more incredible person. Truly one of one. Keep shining and being great!” Delle Donne’s former teammate, Aerial Powers wrote.

During her time on the court, Delle Donne became the first player to earn MVP honors with two different franchises — in 2015 with Chicago and 2019 with the Mystics. In addition to this, she was named to the WNBA’s 25 greatest and most influential players in league history in 2021 in celebration of the WNBA’s 25th anniversary. The athlete was also a member of Team USA, winning gold during the 2016  Olympics in Brazil.

“Elena Delle Donne has been a transformative force for the Washington Mystics and women’s basketball,” Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis said in a statement. “A champion and MVP on and off the court, her legacy as a player, leader and ambassador will leave a permanent mark on the game, and on generations of young women, for years to come. We’ll miss her on the court. But we’re glad she’ll still be with us, shaping the next chapter for Monumental Basketball and all we’re building. Elena’s impact has been immeasurable, and we’re eager to see how she’ll keep pushing the game, just in a different way.”

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Throughout her career, Delle Donne was named to the 2013 All-Rookie First Team and 2013 All-WNBA Second Team and also received four All-WNBA First Team selections in four consecutive years (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). She averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks per game and is considered one of the best players at the foul line in the sport, finishing her career with a free throw shooting percentage of 93.7%.

The Mystics shared on X that Delle Donne will be joining Monumental Basketball as a special advisor to the program. “A new chapter begins. Welcome to Monumental Basketball, EDD!” the caption read.

Before playing at the professional level, Delle Donne originally committed to UConn before deciding to play in her home state, Delaware. During her time with the Blue Hens, she became a two-time All-American and led her team to the Sweet 16 in 2013.

“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,” Delle Donne wrote on Instagram. “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!”

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