Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has tragically died at the age of 43.
‘It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,’ the WNBA said in a statement on Sunday.
‘Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.’
No cause of death has been given. Braxton, a 6ft 6ins forward, played college basketball at Georgia between 2001 and 2004.
She was then picked at No. 7 by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA draft and made an immediate impact.
Braxton was named in the WNBA’s all-rookie team in her debut season. She won both of her WNBA titles with the Shock in 2006 and 2008.
Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has tragically died at the age of 43
She was picked at No. 7 by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA draft and won two titles
Braxton’s son, Jelani, was part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship-winning team
She even moved with the franchise from Detroit to Tulsa before being traded away to the Phoenix Mercury. Braxton was then moved on to the New York Liberty during the 2011 season. She stayed there until she eventually retired in 2014.
An All-Star selection in 2007, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game during her 10-year career.
Sporting stardom runs in the family. Her son, Jelani, was part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship-winning team. The tight end transferred to Bill Belichick’s University of North Carolina program last month.
The Liberty said: ‘We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game.
‘Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.’
