ATLANTA — Former Phoenix Mercury forward Kara Braxton has died at the age of 43, the WNBA announced Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the league posted on X. “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.”
Advertisement
No cause of death has been released.
August 28, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Mercury players (from left) Temeka Johnson and Tangela Smith and Diana Taurasi and Kara Braxton and Penny Taylor wait for the start of the second quarter against the San Antonio Silver Stars during the first half at the AT&T Center. Phoenix beat San Antonio 92-73. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Shock, Braxton became a two-time WNBA champion with the franchise in 2006 and 2008.
A 6-foot-6 post presence known for her physical style of play and interior scoring, Braxton carved out a decade-long career in the league. In addition to her championship runs in Detroit, she played for the Tulsa Shock, the Mercury from 2010 to 2011 and the New York Liberty.
August 28, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Silver Stars center Jayne Appel (left) fights her way around Phoenix Mercury center Kara Braxton (right) during the first half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Advertisement
During her time in Phoenix, Braxton averaged 11.1 points in 13 games in her first season and 10.6 points in 18 games in her second, according to CBS Sports’ Carter Bahns.
Braxton appeared in almost 300 regular-season games over 10 seasons, providing steady frontcourt production while adapting to evolving offensive systems across multiple franchises. Her career spanned a transformative period for the league, bridging its early expansion years and its rise as a nationally televised product.
Aug 20, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Kara Braxton (left) drives the ball against Seattle Storm forward Le’coe Willingham during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Advertisement
The two-time champion’s impact extended beyond the box score, helping championship teams establish a standard of toughness and resilience that continues to shape the WNBA today.
Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and sons Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson.
