Elena Delle Donne Announces Retirement from Professional Basketball

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne announced her retirement from professional basketball on April 4, 2025, stating, “my body seemed to make this decision before my mind accepted it.” The 35-year-old forward last played in the 2023 season for the Washington Mystics and did not participate in the 2024 season.

In her emotional retirement announcement shared on Instagram, Delle Donne reflected on her career, quoting a favorite children’s book: “How did it get so late so soon?” She expressed deep gratitude towards her family, teammates, and fans, saying, “Words cannot adequately express how thankful I am… This game has been my life, and I am grateful for the memories… I can’t wait for what’s next!”

Delle Donne’s professional journey began when she was drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013. She quickly made an impact, earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Within just two years, she captured her first MVP award in 2015, becoming a constant force in the league.

In 2017, she was traded to the Mystics, where she helped the franchise achieve its first WNBA Championship in 2019. Despite competing with injuries during that championship season, she delivered a stellar performance. She famously became the first player in WNBA history to record a season with 50% shooting from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line, known as the 50-40-90 club.

<p"Former Mystics head coach Mike Thibault praised Delle Donne for her work ethic, recalling the long hours she spent in the gym maintaining her health and performance amid injuries. “After her back surgeries, she had a lot of days in the arena that started at 6 a.m.,” Thibault said. “She would do whatever it took to be able to play.”

Throughout her ten-year career, Delle Donne earned two MVP titles, seven All-Star selections, and was named to the All-WNBA First Team four times. She averaged 19.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game over her career, closing as the league’s all-time leader in free throw percentage at 93.7%.

Delle Donne also achieved international success, securing a gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics. As a college player, she shone at the University of Delaware, leading the Blue Hens to a Sweet 16 appearance and earning multiple All-American honors.

Upon retirement, Delle Donne will transition into a role as a special advisor to Monumental Basketball, the organization that oversees the Mystics. Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis remarked, “Her impact has been immeasurable, and we’re eager to see how she’ll keep pushing the game, just in a different way.”