Former WNBA star Kara Braxton has died, the league has confirmed. She was 43.
Braxton played for the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty across her 10-year WNBA career.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA posted on X. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”
Kara Braxton helped the Detroit Shock to WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008. The power forward/center also made the WNBA All-Star Game in 2007 when she averaged 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Braxton’s best season came in 2010 when she averaged 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds.
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft, Braxton spent the first five seasons of her career in Detroit before the Shock moved to Tulsa. She was then traded to the Phoenix Mercury.
In 2011, she was traded to the New York Liberty where she finished her career, retiring in 2014.
“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,” the Liberty posted on X. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”
For her career, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds across 298 games.
Prior to playing in the WNBA, Braxton starred at Georgia, earning All-SEC honors.