In an emotional ceremony on Saturday, the Minnesota Lynx honored their legendary star and four-time WNBA champion, Maya Moore, by retiring her iconic No. 23 jersey. The event was a tribute to Moore’s remarkable career and her lasting impact on the sport and beyond.
The ceremony took place after the Lynx secured a 90-80 victory over the Indiana Fever, in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Target Center. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Moore’s jersey as it was lifted to the rafters, forever enshrining her legacy.
Reflecting on the moment, Moore said, “My life is an example of what it looks like when we love a little girl well. 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. Because I’ve been a recipient of life and joy.”
The ceremony was attended by several of Moore’s former teammates from the 2017 WNBA championship team, including Rebekkah Brunson, Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus. The celebration included a video montage of Moore’s career highlights, followed by heartfelt tributes and gifts, such as a customized chest, a letter jacket, and several pairs of gold shoes.
Shoutout to @Jumpman23 they gave @MooreMaya all the sneakers she wore during her career in gold. They also gave her a commemorative jacket with all her accolades as well for her Jersey retirement. pic.twitter.com/RLDpHtOG5C
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) August 25, 2024
The choice to retire Moore’s jersey after a game against the Indiana Fever was especially poignant. Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s standout rookie, has often cited Moore as her favorite player, and Moore’s career-defining moment came against the Fever in the 2015 WNBA Finals when she sank a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
Fighting back tears, Moore expressed her emotions, saying, “I kind of don’t want this night to end. Some of my favorite people in the world are here with me.”
Moore stepped away from the WNBA in 2018 at the height of her career to focus on social justice work, specifically the wrongful conviction of Jonathan Irons. After successfully helping to secure his release from prison in 2020, the two were married shortly afterward. The couple has since continued their advocacy work through their foundation, Win With Justice, and welcomed their first child in 2022.
Moore, who also boasts two NCAA championships and two Olympic gold medals, officially retired from basketball last year. Her jersey retirement ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of her contributions to the sport and her ongoing commitment to justice and community work.
