Tempe, AZ – In a groundbreaking act of generosity and devotion to Arizona State University, former Sun Devils women’s basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne has pledged her entire $15 million personal fortune to support the construction of a new stadium for ASU’s women’s basketball program, now under the leadership of head coach Natasha Adair.
Turner Thorne, who served as head coach at ASU for 25 seasons before retiring in 2022, is widely regarded as a trailblazer in women’s college basketball. Her tenure brought unprecedented success to the program, including 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and two Elite Eight runs. Now, even in retirement, her legacy continues to shape the future of Sun Devil athletics.
The donation, believed to be the largest personal contribution ever made to an ASU women’s sports program, will fully fund the creation of a state-of-the-art basketball stadium and training facility. The project, which had been in preliminary stages, now accelerates with full financial backing and the enthusiastic support of the Sun Devil community.
“This university and this program made me who I am,” said Turner Thorne during a press conference Friday morning. “Arizona State pride lives within me wherever I go. I’ve always said that this place is home — and now, it’s time to give back in a way that propels future generations of women athletes.”
The announcement was met with cheers and applause from university officials, student-athletes, and alumni in attendance. ASU President Michael Crow called the gift “transformative” and praised Turner Thorne’s unwavering commitment to the university’s mission.
“Charli’s devotion to ASU transcends her coaching accomplishments,” said Crow. “This gift demonstrates the lasting bond between a coach and her program, and it ensures that the legacy she built will thrive for decades to come.”
New head coach Natasha Adair, who took the reins in 2022 following Turner Thorne’s retirement, expressed both gratitude and excitement for what the donation means for the future of the program.
“This is not just a gift — it’s a vision,” Adair said. “Charli’s belief in what we’re building inspires us to reach even higher. This new facility will empower our student-athletes, enhance recruitment, and reaffirm ASU as a premier destination for women’s basketball.”
The planned facility will feature a 5,000-seat arena, advanced training and recovery equipment, team lounges, and a hall of fame honoring ASU women’s basketball history — with Turner Thorne’s contributions front and center.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
As the Sun Devils prepare for a new chapter, Turner Thorne’s historic gift stands as a beacon of loyalty, leadership, and love for the game — and for the university she never stopped calling home.
