In a heartfelt ceremony at the Target Center, the Minnesota Lynx retired the jersey of WNBA legend Maya Moore on a night filled with emotion, celebration, and reflection.
The former point guard, known for her on-court dominance and off-court social justice advocacy, became the fourth player in Lynx history to have her jersey raised to the rafters.
The ceremony took place following the Lynx’s game against the Indiana Fever, marking another milestone in Moore’s storied career.
A Legacy of Excellence and Leadership
Moore, whose number 23 now joins the jerseys of fellow Lynx icons Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, Rebekkah Brunson, and Seimone Augustus, played a central role in building the Lynx dynasty that captured four WNBA championships during the 2010s.
Her impact on the franchise and the sport of basketball is undeniable, as she was a six-time WNBA All-Star and the 2014 league MVP.
In front of a record crowd of 19,023 fans, Moore was honored not only with the jersey retirement but also with gold sneakers and a custom letterman jacket from Jordan Brand, which made her its first female athlete in 2011.
“My life is an example of what it looks like when we love a little girl well,” Moore said during her speech. “There is no way we’re watching that [ceremony] without love. So many people had a hand in my life to show me what life is about. That’s what I tried to bring every day: life and joy.”
Stepping Away for a Greater Purpose
Moore’s career took an unexpected turn when she stepped away from basketball in 2019 to focus on the wrongful conviction case of her now-husband, Jonathan Irons.
After helping secure his release in 2020, Moore shifted her focus to building a family, a decision that ultimately led to her retirement.
Despite leaving the game at the height of her career, Moore’s influence remains strong both in and out of the sports world.
Reflecting on her journey, Moore said:
“The journey that I had was not expected, but it was exactly the journey that I was supposed to go on.”
Continuing to Inspire the Next Generation
Moore’s influence extends beyond her accomplishments on the court. Her activism and leadership have inspired a new generation of athletes, including Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who credited Moore as her biggest influence growing up.
“She was the person for me,” Clark told CNN. “Those are the type of people you want your young daughter to idolize.”
Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who followed in Moore’s footsteps by attending UConn and playing in Minnesota, has also been deeply inspired by Moore’s legacy. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve highlighted this connection, stating, “The impact of Maya Moore is that Napheesa Collier got to dream of one day being like Maya Moore.”
Closing a Chapter, Cementing a Legacy
Moore officially retired from basketball nearly a year ago, and her jersey retirement solidifies her place as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
While Moore may no longer be on the court, her legacy as a basketball icon and a trailblazer in social justice advocacy continues to shine brightly.
