2-time WNBA champ Kara Braxton tragically dies at 43

by February 23, 2026

written by February 23, 2026

The WNBA community is mourning the loss of Kara Braxton, a two-time league champion who spent a decade in the pros. The league announced her death on social media, and tributes have been pouring in from former teammates and fans who remember her impact on the court.

She was 43 years old.

Braxton entered the WNBA as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 draft. Detroit selected her out of Georgia, where she had earned SEC Rookie of the Year honors during her college career.

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She made an immediate impression in her first professional season, posting 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while earning All-Rookie recognition. She went on to help the Shock capture championships in 2006 and 2008, cementing her place in franchise history.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton. A 10-season veteran, Kara played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time,” the WNBA shared on X.

What we know about Kara Braxton’s passing

Sep 5, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Kara Braxton (45) reacts on the court against the Seattle Storm during the first half in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals in the 2010 WNBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. The Storm defeated the Mercury 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images

The cause of Braxton’s death has not been officially confirmed. Oregon Live reported that she was involved in a fatal car accident in Atlanta over the weekend, but authorities have not released verified information about the circumstances.

Until an official statement is issued, details remain unclear.

Braxton spent her first five full seasons with Detroit, making her lone All-Star appearance in 2007 when she averaged 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Shock reached the Finals that year but fell to the Phoenix Mercury.

The franchise relocated to Tulsa in 2010 and traded Braxton to Phoenix. A year later, she was traded to the New York Liberty, where she finished her career after the 2014 season. Across 297 career games, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.