Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are set to take on the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday night in what promises to be a memorable event. Adding to the excitement, WNBA legend Maya Moore will have her No. 23 jersey retired by the Lynx, a tribute that aligns perfectly with the star power Clark brings to the game. Clark, who has publicly admired Moore since her days as a young fan, will undoubtedly find the occasion personally significant.
However, the WNBA’s decision not to televise the game nationally has sparked disappointment among fans. Instead of airing the game on a major network, the league opted to broadcast it on NBA TV and WNBA League Pass—services that require additional subscriptions, making it less accessible to the average viewer.
Fans expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing the WNBA for not giving Maya Moore’s historic jersey retirement the national attention it deserves:
“No national TV game for Maya Moore’s jersey retirement tonight is crazy. One of the greatest athletes to ever do it. Smh.”
No national TV game for Maya Moore’s jersey retirement tonight is crazy.
One of the greatest athletes to ever do it.
Smh.
— meredith minkow (@murrminks) August 24, 2024
“Given that approx 84 Fever games have been on national TV this season, the fact that Caitlin’s idol Maya Moore’s jersey retirement is not one of them is interesting, lmfao.”
given that approx 84 fever games have been on national tv this season the fact that … caitlin’s idol maya moore’s jersey retirement is not one of them is interesting lmfao
— NAS🦋GIOIA (@nasgioia) August 24, 2024
“We gotta watch Maya Moore’s jersey retirement on League Pass and not on national television.”
We gotta watch Maya Moore’s jersey retirement on League Pass and not on national television 🙃
— Yeah Mo! (@MotownInMotion_) August 24, 2024
“Wish this Fever-Lynx game tonight with Maya Moore’s jersey retirement ceremony was on one of ESPN’s channels tonight.”
Wish this Fever-Lynx game tonight with Maya Moore jersey retirement ceremony was on one of ESPN’s channels tonight.
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) August 24, 2024
“The WNBA is embarrassing.”
The @WNBA is embarrassing https://t.co/c6yQLaOU9F
— kai (@kaithecreatorrr) August 24, 2024
“A shame, especially considering it’s vs. CC and the Fever.”
A shame, especially considering it’s vs CC and Fever 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/Kdv68tRqkZ
— Scotty2Hotty (@ThisIsTarik) August 24, 2024
Despite her relatively short eight-season career in the WNBA, Moore is widely regarded as one of the league’s all-time greats. She secured four WNBA championships, an MVP award, and six All-Star appearances, all while playing a pivotal role in back-to-back NCAA titles with the UConn Huskies.
The decision not to broadcast this significant game on national television feels like a missed opportunity for the WNBA to honor one of its legends in front of a broader audience, especially given the compelling storyline of Clark playing in the game. As fans lament the league’s choice, the night remains a landmark event that many will unfortunately miss out on witnessing live.
