Why Elena Delle Donne Isn’t Returning to the WNBA

The Pull of the Court and Physical Reality

During the WNBA All-Star Weekend at Wintrust Arena on July 24, Delle Donne teamed with Shakira Austin and Jezelle “GG” Banks to win the Shooting Stars event. The victory triggered immediate speculation about a return to the court, fueled further when Mystics owner Ted Leonsis posted on X that a spot would always wait for her in Washington.

Delle Donne, who turned 37 recently, admits the competitive fire remains. “For the rest of my life, I’m going to consider playing,” she told The Washington Sun. She insists her skills have not faded, but her body cannot endure the physical demands. Three back surgeries following the Mystics’ 2019 championship run, alongside a daily regimen of 50 pills and supplements to manage lifelong Lyme disease, ultimately ended her playing career in 2023.

Behind the Scenes with the Washington Mystics

Rather than lacing up sneakers for a playoff run, Delle Donne serves as a special adviser to Monumental Basketball. Her role spans scouting, coaching, and serving as a bridge between the coaching staff and young players. She spends her time at practices mentoring athletes like Austin and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.

The 2026 Mystics mirror the selfless team culture of the 2019 championship squad, according to Delle Donne. That 2019 season stands as the peak of her career, where she earned her second MVP award and became the first player in WNBA history to shoot over 50% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line. Her career free-throw percentage of 93.7% remains a league record.

A Summer of Legacy and Hall of Fame Honors

Delle Donne spent her summer stepping away from private life to accept a wave of career recognitions. On June 27, she entered the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville alongside Candace Parker, Doris Burke, and Cheryl Reeve. On August 15, she joined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a class that included Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Doc Rivers. The D.C. Sports Hall of Fame added her name on August 30.

Associated Press reporting highlights her journey from quitting the sport in college to reconnect with her sister Lizzie—who is blind and deaf—to becoming a global ambassador for women’s basketball. Delle Donne noted that Lizzie remains unaware of her basketball career, a reality that keeps her perspective grounded.

Witnessing the WNBA’s Explosive Growth

Returning to the public eye for All-Star Weekend gave Delle Donne a firsthand look at the league’s massive expansion. Average attendance now sits at 11,482 fans per game across 15 teams, a sharp contrast to the sparse crowds and limited television coverage of her rookie season with the Chicago Sky in 2013.

“The level of play has always been there, and it was just so hard to understand the lag of getting the media attention,” Delle Donne said. Seeing the packed arenas, lucrative television deals, and higher player salaries under the new collective bargaining agreement ultimately helped quiet the voice pushing for her return. She stepped away to preserve her health for family life with her wife, Amanda Clifton, leaving behind a league finally receiving the recognition she fought to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elena Delle Donne officially returning to the WNBA?

No. While Delle Donne admits she frequently thinks about a comeback and can still shoot at a high level, chronic back pain and physical limitations prevent her from playing. She currently works as a special adviser for Monumental Basketball.

What are Elena Delle Donne’s career accolades?

Delle Donne is a two-time WNBA MVP, a 2019 WNBA champion with the Washington Mystics, a seven-time All-Star, and holds the highest career free-throw percentage in WNBA and NBA history at 93.7%. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

What is Elena Delle Donne’s current role with the Mystics?

She serves as a special adviser to Monumental Basketball, assisting with scouting, coaching, and mentoring the young roster of Washington players.

What are your thoughts on Delle Donne’s legacy and her behind-the-scenes role with the Mystics? Share your perspective in the comments below, and explore our archives for more WNBA playoff coverage.