Kara Braxton 2026: Two-Time WNBA Champion Dies at 43, League Mourns 'Profound Loss'
The basketball world is in mourning following the sudden passing of Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and former All-Star, who died on February 22, 2026, at the age of 43. The talented 6-foot-6 post player, known for her dominant college career at Georgia and a decade-long professional career, leaves behind a complex legacy of on-court excellence and a lasting impact on the women's game.
WNBA Career: 2005–2014
Teams: Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty
Key Achievements: 2× WNBA Champion (2006, 2008), WNBA All-Star (2007), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2005)
A Shocking Loss for the Basketball Community
The news of Kara Braxton's death sent shockwaves through the sports world on Sunday, February 22, 2026. While initial reports suggested a car crash in Atlanta, the official cause of death has not been confirmed by authorities or her family . The University of Georgia's athletic department confirmed her passing to the Associated Press, and the WNBA soon followed with an official tribute .
Braxton had celebrated her 43rd birthday just four days before her death, on February 18 .
The WNBA's Official Statement
The league released a heartfelt statement on social media, capturing the sentiment of the entire basketball community:
"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."
Tributes from Former Teams
Each franchise Braxton represented paid their respects:
New York Liberty: "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."
Phoenix Mercury: The Mercury, where Braxton posted some of her career-best numbers, shared their condolences, remembering her time in Arizona during the 2010-2011 seasons .
Who Was Kara Braxton? A Complete Biography
Early Life and High School Stardom
Born in Jackson, Michigan, Kara Braxton grew up in a large family with a twin sister named Kim and four other siblings. Her father's passion for basketball sparked her own interest in the game from an early age .
She attended Jackson High School for her freshman year before relocating to Portland, Oregon, where she attended Westview High School. It was there that she blossomed into a national prospect, eventually earning Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior .
College Career at Georgia: Brilliance and Controversy
Braxton arrived at the University of Georgia in 2002 with immense expectations. She delivered immediately, averaging an impressive 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game as a freshman, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors .
Over 71 career appearances for the Bulldogs, she averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game . However, her college career was also marked by turbulence. In 2004, legendary coach Andy Landers dismissed Braxton from the team for repeated violations of team policies, despite her being the team's leading scorer at the time . She had faced multiple suspensions during her tenure in Athens.
Despite the premature end to her college career, Braxton remained connected to the university. She later returned to Georgia to complete her education and officially graduated in 2024 .
WNBA Career: Championships and Stardom
Draft and Early Success with Detroit Shock
Despite the off-court concerns, Braxton's talent was undeniable. The Detroit Shock selected her with the 7th overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft .
She made an immediate impact, earning WNBA All-Rookie Team honors after averaging 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game . Her physical style of play, relentless rebounding, and powerful presence in the paint quickly made her a fan favorite .
Championship Glory (2006 & 2008)
Braxton's arrival in Detroit coincided with the franchise's golden era. She was a key contributor off the bench and in rotational roles as the Shock captured back-to-back titles:
2006 WNBA Championship: Detroit defeated the Sacramento Monarchs .
2007 All-Star Selection: Braxton's individual brilliance was recognized with her first and only All-Star nod .
2008 WNBA Championship: The Shock repeated as champions, this time defeating the San Antonio Silver Stars .
Later Years: Tulsa, Phoenix, and New York
When the Shock franchise relocated to Tulsa in 2010, Braxton moved with them but was traded mid-season to the Phoenix Mercury . Her time in Phoenix was statistically impressive; she posted career-highs with 10.9 points per game and a 55.2% field goal percentage .
In 2011, she was acquired by the New York Liberty, where she played until 2014. She appeared in four games for the Liberty in 2014 before being waived, effectively ending her WNBA career .
WNBA Career Statistics (297 games): 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 47.5% field goal shooting .
Overseas Success
Like many WNBA players, Braxton extended her career by playing internationally during the off-seasons. She competed professionally in Poland, Turkey, and Italy through the 2017-18 season . Notably, she won two Polish league championships and earned Chinese league MVP honors in 2010 .
Life After Basketball
Following her retirement from professional basketball, Braxton returned to the United States and worked for Nike in Oregon before relocating to the Atlanta area . She remained a respected figure in the basketball community, celebrated for her kindness and warm personality among former teammates and fans .
Family Legacy: Son Jelani Thurman's Rising Stardom
Kara Braxton's legacy extends beyond the basketball court through her sons. She is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and two sons: Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson .
Jelani Thurman, a product of her relationship with former Georgia Bulldogs and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman, has emerged as a notable athlete in his own right . A four-star tight end prospect, Jelani played football for Ohio State University and was part of the Buckeyes team that won the national championship in 2024 .
In January 2026, Jelani announced his transfer to the University of North Carolina .
Following his mother's death, Jelani posted several photos and videos on social media, writing simply: "Imma miss my queen!" —a poignant tribute that resonated with thousands of fans .
Remembering Kara Braxton: A Complex Legacy
Kara Braxton's life was one of immense talent, significant achievement, and personal challenges. She was a dominant force on the court—a player who could overpower opponents in the post, run the floor with agility, and impact games at both ends . Her two WNBA championships and All-Star selection place her among the successful players of her era.
Off the court, her journey was more complicated. Her dismissal from Georgia and various suspensions throughout her career painted a picture of a player who struggled with discipline . Yet, those who knew her personally speak of her kindness, her passion, and her dedication to her family .
In her later years, she focused on her sons, particularly Jelani, whose success in football brought her immense pride. Her decision to return to Georgia and complete her degree in 2024 also spoke to a desire to close that chapter of her life on her own terms .
Notable Deaths of 2026
Kara Braxton's passing marks one of the first major losses in the sports world in 2026, a year that has already seen the industry reflect on the fragility of life .
Conclusion: A Life Cut Short, A Legacy That Endures
Kara Braxton's sudden death at 43 has left a void in the WNBA community. From her high school days in Oregon to her championship years in Detroit and her final seasons in New York, she left an indelible mark on every team and every city she called home .
As the WNBA stated, she will be mourned, but she will also be remembered—for the championships, the passion, and the joy she brought to the game.
She is survived by her husband Jarvis Jackson, her sons Jelani and Jream, and a basketball world that will not soon forget her.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports published on February 22-23, 2026. Official details regarding the cause of death have not been released, and this piece focuses on celebrating the athlete's life and career.
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