Look, if you’ve followed women’s basketball for more than five minutes, you know Diana Taurasi doesn’t do anything halfway. She’s the GOAT. The White Mamba. A woman who scored over 10,000 points and basically willed the Phoenix Mercury to three titles. But for a long time, the question is Diana Taurasi gay was one of those things fans whispered about because she just didn’t talk about it.
She wasn't hiding, exactly. She was just... busy. Busy winning six Olympic gold medals and being the most feared competitor on the court. Honestly, she probably didn't think her personal life was anyone's business until she decided it was.
The Big Reveal That Wasn't Really a Reveal
In May 2017, the news finally dropped, and it was classic Diana. She didn't do a massive televised special or a cryptic social media post. She just got married.
She tied the knot with Penny Taylor, her former teammate and the then-Director of Player Development for the Mercury. The wedding happened on a Saturday, and by Sunday, they were basically back to work. That’s how she confirmed she was gay—by simply living her life. No fanfare. No "I'm coming out" cover story. Just a wedding in Phoenix that felt like a celebration of a decade-long bond.
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They’d been together for eight years before they actually got hitched. Think about that. Eight years in the spotlight, and they kept it mostly under wraps. It wasn't about being ashamed; it was about protecting something that belonged only to them.
Life After the WNBA Court
Fast forward to right now. It’s 2026, and the landscape looks a lot different. Diana officially retired from the WNBA in early 2025, leaving a hole in the Phoenix Mercury roster that honestly might never be filled. She left on her own terms, saying she was "full"—both mentally and physically.
These days, you're more likely to see her coaching her son's first-grade team or hanging out with her daughter than hitting a logo three. She and Penny have two kids: Leo Michael and Isla. If you want to see a different side of the "meanest" player in basketball, just look at a photo of her with Isla. The edge just disappears.
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Why the Visibility Matters
Even though she kept things private for years, Diana has become a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion. She recently appeared on the Outsports Power 100 list. She talks a lot now about the "beauty of being out."
She’s admitted that 20 years ago, she didn't feel like she had the ability to be as open as players are today. Seeing her teammate Brittney Griner be so unapologetically herself inspired Diana. It’s a bit of a "full circle" moment. The veteran who paved the way on the court ended up learning a thing or two about off-court courage from the younger generation.
Quick Facts About Diana and Penny
- Met: 2004, when they both played for the Mercury.
- Married: May 13, 2017.
- Children: Leo (born 2018) and Isla (born 2021).
- Current Status: Retired as of 2025; set for the Mercury Ring of Honor in summer 2026.
People still search is Diana Taurasi gay because she represents a specific era of women’s sports where you kept your head down and played. But today, she’s a "queer mom" (her words, or at least how the community proudly labels her) who is more concerned with reproductive rights and environmental sustainability than her PPG.
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What’s Next for the GOAT?
The Phoenix Mercury are retiring her jersey (No. 3) in the summer of 2026. It's going to be a massive party in the Valley. Penny Taylor's name is already up there in the Ring of Honor, and soon they’ll be side-by-side forever.
If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of her journey, check out the Chelsea Clinton She Persisted series, which actually has a book on Diana that acknowledges her queer identity for younger readers. It’s a far cry from the days when players felt they had to hide who they loved to keep their endorsements.
If you want to stay updated on her legacy, keep an eye on the Mercury’s 2026 schedule for the Ring of Honor ceremony. It’ll likely be the biggest event in women’s hoops this year. You can also follow the Phoenix Mercury’s official site for archival footage of her and Penny’s best moments on the court together.