Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne Announces Retirement
Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP, has retired at 35, citing persistent back issues and time away from the game. Her storied career with the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics included numerous awards and a championship.
Published on April 5, 2025
Elena Delle Donne, the celebrated two-time WNBA MVP, announced her retirement on April 4, 2025, at age 35. In an emotional Instagram post, she explained that persistent back issues and an extended absence from the court made this decision necessary both physically and personally.
Delle Donne, who began her career with the Chicago Sky in 2013—earning Rookie of the Year and her first MVP in 2015—later joined the Washington Mystics, where she captured her second MVP title and led the team to a championship in 2019. Over her tenure, she maintained outstanding career averages of 19.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, set the WNBA record with a 93.7% free-throw shooting rate, and now looks forward to her next chapter as an adviser to Monumental Basketball.