Kara Braxton, a former WNBA All-Star who played 10 seasons in the league, has died at the age of 43. The Women’s National Basketball Association shared the news on social media on Sunday. The cause of her death has not been revealed. Braxton is remembered as a champion, a supportive teammate, and a loving mother. She was selected seventh overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock and made an immediate impact in her first season.
She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team after averaging 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. At 6-foot-6, Braxton was known for her strong presence and physical style of play on the court.
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. pic.twitter.com/0I71xWCWfW
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 23, 2026
Kara Braxton College Legacy And WNBA Journey
Kara Braxton spent 10 seasons in the WNBA after a strong college career at the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Rookie of the Year. She was picked No. 7 overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock and played her first five full seasons with the team. During that time, she helped Detroit win two championships, in 2006 and 2008. She was selected as an All-Star in 2007, the only time in her career. That season, she averaged 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Shock reached the WNBA Finals that year but lost to the Phoenix Mercury.
In 2010, after the franchise moved to Tulsa, Braxton was traded to Phoenix. A year later, she was traded again, this time to the New York Liberty. She played her final four seasons with New York before retiring after the 2014 season. Over 297 career games, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. She also had success overseas, winning two championships in Poland and being named the Chinese league MVP in 2010. In 2024, she returned to Georgia to complete her degree and graduated.
| College | Georgia |
| WNBA Draft | Detroit Shock |
| WNBA Teams |
Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock Phoenix Mercury New York Liberty |
| Last Team | New York Liberty |
Karla Braxton Net Worth 2026 and Career Earnings:
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| WNBA Salary | 10 seasons across multiple teams |
| Overseas Contracts | Played in Poland, Turkey, China, Italy |
| Endorsements & Basketball Earnings | League and international exposure |
| Post-Retirement Career | Worked with Nike in Oregon |
International Career and Life After Basketball
After finishing her WNBA career, Kara Braxton continued playing overseas until the 2017–18 season. She competed in professional leagues in Poland, Turkey, China, and Italy. Playing abroad was an important part of her career and added to her overall earnings as a professional athlete.
Once she retired from basketball, Braxton worked with Nike in Oregon. She later moved to the Atlanta area to begin a new chapter of her life.
Personal Life and Family
Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and her two sons, Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson. Her son Jelani Thurman was a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes football national championship team in 2024, continuing the family’s strong connection to top-level sports.
She was known not only for her skills on the court but also for her warm personality. Teammates and fans often spoke about her leadership, kindness, and the close relationships she built throughout her career.
A mother and son both winning championships is DIFFERENT 🔥
Jelani Thurman: CFP National Champion 🏆
His mom Kara Braxton: 2X WNBA Champion 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/PCxVznd7IV— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 21, 2025
Legacy: A Champion Remembered
Braxton’s career was built on hard work, strength, and team success. Her achievements include:
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Two WNBA championships (2006, 2008)
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WNBA All-Star selection in 2007
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A 10-year professional career in the WNBA
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Several successful seasons playing internationally
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An important role during one of Detroit’s most successful periods
More than just her numbers and titles, she will be remembered for her powerful presence on the court, strong determination, and positive impact on the basketball community.
