Kara Braxton, who twice won the WNBA national championship with the Detroit Shock, has tragically passed away at the age of 43. No cause of death has been recorded.
In a statement uploaded to the WNBA X account, the league announced Braxton’s passing by writing,
“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.”
As a 6-foot-6 center-forward, Braxton won the SEC Freshman of the Year Award in 2002, playing for Georgia for the entirety of her career. She was selected No. 7 overall in the 2005 WNBA draft.
She won her titles in 2006 and 2008, making her one of the most successful WNBA players in the history of the league. She will be missed.
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
Braxton would go on to play for Phoenix Mercury after being traded from Detroit’s relocated team in Tulsa during the 2010 WNBA season.
She would ultimately end up playing for New York Liberty in 2014, marking the end of her career, and retiring after the season.
Braxton will never be forgotten. Rest in peace!
