Kara Braxton — a two-time WNBA champion who played 10 seasons in the league — died Monday morning. She was 43.
The cause of death has not been announced.
Braxton played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. She won championships with the Shock in 2006 and 2008.
The WNBA released a statement on Braxton’s death.
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton," the league said.
Braxton, a 6-foot-6 center-forward, competed at Georgia from 2001 to 2004 and earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2002.
She was chosen seventh overall by the Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft and earned a spot on the league’s All-Rookie Team that year. She played part of the 2010 season in Tulsa after the franchise relocated before being traded to the Phoenix Mercury.
Her son, Jelani Thurman, a college football tight end, spent the past three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina in January.
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton.
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 23, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/0I71xWCWfW
Fans react to Kara Braxton's death
Braxton, who was named an All-Star in 2007, averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds during a 10-year WNBA career. Fans shared their reaction to her passing on social media.