As the WNBA offseason continues and teams prepare for another title chase, the league paused Sunday to mourn one of its former champions. Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and 10-year veteran, died at age 43. The news sent shockwaves through the basketball community, prompting a flood of tributes from former teammates, players and fans.
Among those reacting publicly was former Indiana Fever player DeWanna Bonner, who commented on the league’s Instagram post with “❤️💔,” a brief but powerful message that captured the grief felt throughout the WNBA family. Bonner played with Braxton early in her career on the 2010 and 2011 Phoenix Mercury.
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“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the league said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and former teammates at this time.” No cause of death was given.
Braxton built a remarkable 10-year career in the WNBA, marked by her toughness and championship spirit. Standing at 6-foot-6, she was picked No. 7 overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft after an impressive college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, where she earned the title of SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2005 and played a key role in helping Detroit secure championships in 2006 and 2008.
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An All-Star in 2007, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds over her career, bringing energy and physicality to every stop. She later played for the Tulsa Shock, Mercury and New York Liberty, finishing her career in New York in 2014.
Her impact extended beyond statistics. Teammates remembered her competitive fire and presence in the paint, where she established herself as one of the league’s more physical interior players during her era. Former teammate Plenette Pierson wrote on Instagram, “Karebear……….This still feels unreal. I keep replaying memories and conversations because part of me expects to hear your voice again. Losing you hurts in a way words cannot hold.”
Phoenix Mercury forward Kara Braxton (45) reacts on the court against the Seattle Storm during a WNBA playoff game.Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
(Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports)
Braxton leaves behind her husband and two sons. One of her sons, Jelani Thurman, played three seasons for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team before transferring to the North Carolina Tar Heels in January.
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Bonner’s heartfelt reaction highlighted just how tight-knit the WNBA community really is. As a veteran and former champion herself, Bonner has been part of a league shaped by pioneers like Braxton.
As the league looks ahead to the 2026 season, tributes are likely to continue. For now, the focus remains on honoring Braxton’s legacy as a champion, an All-Star and a fierce competitor whose imprint on the WNBA will endure.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
