On Tuesday, three-time Olympic gold medalist Tina Charles officially called time on her legendary professional basketball career. Her retirement marks the end of a storied 14-year tenure in the WNBA, during which the American icon established herself as the greatest rebounder in the history of the league.
At 37 years old, Charles concludes her professional journey with a record-shattering 4,262 rebounds. In addition to her dominance on the glass, she leaves the court with 8,396 career points, placing her second on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Diana Taurasi.
Tina Charles Retirement Message
“Today, I officially announce my retirement from basketball,” Tina wrote in her official statement on social media.
“Fifteen years at the professional level and a lifetime of love for this game. I’ve experienced the highest highs and lowest lows, and I’m thankful for all of it. Through it all, I learned how to show up. When doubt got loud and narratives were written without me, I kept showing up. That’s the New Yorker in me, where resilience is built, not talked about.”
“Growing up in Queens, New York, basketball wasn’t just a game, it was a language, a rhythm, its survival, its expression. It pulled me in early, and I gave myself fully to it. It shaped me into the woman I am today, and for that, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“At some point, you have to edit your life. Not everything and not everyone is meant for the whole journey. Growth requires honesty, and for me, that meant recognizing when my impact was being called in a new direction. That’s not failure, that’s clarity. I’m at peace with this decision, aligned with what I’m being called to do next, making space for someone else to step in and grow the way I once did.
It would be impossible to name everyone who has poured into my life, but I want to say thank you.”
It was all a dream.. pic.twitter.com/YtComVxYYN
— Tina Charles (@tinacharles31) May 5, 2026
Who is Tina Charles?
Charles, who hails from Queens, New York, was selected first overall by the Connecticut Sun in the 2010 WNBA draft, following a college career in which she won two national championships at the University of Connecticut.
She went on to be named the WNBA’s rookie of the year in 2010, Most Valuable Player in 2012 and is an eight-times All-Star.
While her time playing for the Sun, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream never produced a WNBA title, she did win three gold medals at the Olympics with Team USA and three World Cup championships.
“Tina Charles has defined excellence and consistency throughout one of the most remarkable careers in WNBA history,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
“From earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors to being named league MVP, to becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer, Tina’s impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.”
Tina Charles WNBA Career Stats:
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Total Points: 8,396 (Ranked 2nd all-time)
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Total Rebounds: 4,262 (Ranked 1st all-time)
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Total Double-Doubles: 175+ (Ranked 1st all-time)
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Total Blocks: 370+
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Total Assists: 1,000+
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Career Scoring Average: 17.8 PPG
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Career Rebounding Average: 9.1 RPG
Tina Charles Net Worth:
Tina Charles, the legendary WNBA player, has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million to $5 million. It is not official yet. Through the 2025 season, her cumulative cash earnings from WNBA contracts alone totaled $973,958.
(With inputs from Reuters)
