28/02/2026
WNBA Mourns the Passing of Two-Time Champion Kara Braxton at 43
The WNBA community is mourning the loss of former two-time champion Kara Braxton, who has reportedly passed away at the age of 43.
The announcement was shared by the WNBA, sending shockwaves throughout the league and among longtime fans. No cause of death has been made public.
Braxton was selected No. 7 overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock, where she quickly made her mark. As a rookie, she earned All-Rookie Team honors and helped establish herself as a strong interior presence off the bench. Over the years, she developed into one of the league’s most dependable frontcourt contributors.
She played a key role in helping Detroit capture WNBA championships in 2006 and 2008. Her physical style of play, rebounding ability, and scoring touch in the paint made her a difficult matchup during her prime. In 2007, she was named a WNBA All-Star, further cementing her status as one of the league’s respected veterans.
Throughout her 10-season career, Braxton also suited up for the Phoenix Mercury, Tulsa Shock, and New York Liberty. She finished her career averaging 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
For longtime fans of the Indiana Fever, Braxton was a familiar competitor during the heated Eastern Conference battles of the mid-2000s. Those matchups helped define an era of intense WNBA rivalries and championship pursuits.
After stepping away from professional basketball, Braxton worked with Nike in Oregon before relocating to the Atlanta area. She is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, her two sons, and her twin sister.
Today, the WNBA family reflects not just on her accomplishments, but on the impact she had as a teammate, competitor, and champion. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and the entire basketball community during this difficult time.