Sun Apr 06 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## WNBA Legend Elena Delle Donne Announces Retirement

**CHICAGO** – WNBA star Elena Delle Donne announced her retirement from professional basketball on Friday, bringing an end to a remarkable career marked by both incredible achievements and persistent injury struggles. In an emotional Instagram post, Delle Donne cited the toll of injuries and Lyme disease as factors in her decision.

Drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013, Delle Donne quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. She won Rookie of the Year in her first season, leading a Sky team that reached the WNBA Finals in 2014. In 2015, she earned her first MVP award, showcasing her exceptional scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities. However, after a trade to the Washington Mystics in 2016, seeking a location closer to her family, her career took another turn.

While in Washington, Delle Donne continued to excel, even battling chronic Lyme disease. In 2019, she achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first WNBA player to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club (shooting percentages of over 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line), a club previously only held by NBA greats like Larry Bird and Stephen Curry. That same year, she led the Mystics to their first WNBA championship, earning her second MVP award.

However, recurring injuries, exacerbated by Lyme disease, ultimately forced her to the sidelines. Delle Donne played only a handful of games in 2021 and 2023, ultimately deciding to retire after the 2023 season. Despite the difficult end to her career, Delle Donne leaves behind a legacy as one of the WNBA’s most talented and beloved players, impacting two franchises and leaving an enduring mark on the league. Her retirement marks the end of an era for women’s basketball.

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