The former University of Texas forward was battling breast cancer before she passed away.

In a statement, the basketball programme at the University of Texas said they are "mourning the loss of Longhorn legend".

Jackson was a three-time All-American with the Texas Longhorns during her four-year stay and was the fifth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA draft.

She played for three WNBA franchises - New York Liberty, the former Tulsa Shock and the Los Angeles Sparks - from 2007 to 2018, before retiring when she was at Sparks.  

Her coach in Texas Jody Conradt was among those who paid tributes.

"Tiffany had a great career and was an impact player," Conradt, who coached Jackson between 2003 and 2007, said.

"She was recognized for her all-around game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions.

"She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing."

In September 2015, Jackson was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

After treatment, she was playing in Israel before making a successful comeback with Sparks in 2017.

She spent four years as an assistant coach in the Texas basketball programme before she was named head coach of Wiley College’s women’s basketball team in April 2022.

"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tiffany Jackson, one of the greatest players in the history of Texas Women’s Basketball," current Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer said.

"From her days as a player for DFW Elite to her days as a player at The University of Texas, Tiffany has meant so much to so many people in this great state of Texas.

"She will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family."