The WNBA community is mourning the loss of two-time champion Kara Braxton, who has died at the age of 43.
The league confirmed her passing Sunday in a statement.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA said. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”
No cause of death has been released.
Braxton, a 6-foot-6 forward, made her name as a dominant presence in the paint. She starred at the University of Georgia from 2001 to 2004 before being selected seventh overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2005 WNBA Draft.
She made an immediate impact, earning All-Rookie honors in her debut season. Braxton went on to win two WNBA championships with the Shock in 2006 and 2008, cementing her place in franchise history.
When the Shock relocated to Tulsa, Braxton continued with the team before later playing for the Phoenix Mercury and the New York Liberty. She wrapped up her WNBA career in 2014 after ten seasons in the league.
Braxton was named a WNBA All-Star in 2007 and averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game over her career.
Basketball talent runs in her family. Her son, Jelani, was part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship team. The tight end recently transferred to the University of North Carolina, where he joined a program led by Bill Belichick.
The New York Liberty also paid tribute to Braxton.
“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,” a team spokesperson said. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”