Minnesota Lynx legend Maya Moore was celebrated with an unforgettable jersey retirement ceremony on Saturday night, marking a historic moment in WNBA history.
A year after officially retiring from the league, Moore’s iconic No. 23 jersey was raised to the rafters at Target Center, following the Lynx’s 90–80 victory over the Indiana Fever. The ceremony took place in front of a record-setting crowd of 19,023 fans, who gathered to honor one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball.
The night was filled with tributes to Moore’s remarkable career. A heartfelt video montage played to the cheering crowd, encapsulating her journey from a college standout to a WNBA superstar. Adding a personal touch to the celebration, Moore was presented with a custom chest filled with Jordan basketball shoes—a fitting gift, as she made history as the first woman to sign with the iconic brand.
The evening was not only a celebration of Moore’s achievements but also a reflection of the profound impact she has had on the basketball world. Among those who paid tribute to her was NBA superstar LeBron James. He took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration, posting a simple yet powerful message: “CONGRATULATIONS 23!!!! Absolute LEGEND!!” The message highlighted the mutual respect between two of the game’s greatest athletes, both of whom wore the No. 23 jersey with pride.
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Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA and rookie for the Indiana Fever, also shared her admiration for Moore before the game. Clark, who grew up idolizing Moore, spoke to reporters about the profound influence Moore had on her as a young athlete.
“For me, she was the person growing up,” Clark said, recalling a special moment from her childhood. “I didn’t have a Sharpie, and I was at the age where I didn’t have a phone, so I kind of just ran away from my dad because I wanted to meet the players. I ran up to her and gave her a hug. There’s no documentation of that moment, but in my brain, that was one of the most pivotal moments probably in my entire basketball career.”
Moore’s legacy extends far beyond her accolades on the court. A two-time NCAA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, she was instrumental in leading the Lynx to four WNBA titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) during her eight seasons in Minnesota. Her influence in the game was underscored by her MVP season in 2014 and her reputation as one of the most clutch players in league history.
However, Moore’s impact is not limited to her athletic achievements. In 2019, at the peak of her career, she made the bold decision to step away from basketball to focus on social justice. She dedicated herself to the case of Jonathan Irons, who had been wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Thanks to her tireless efforts, Irons was released in 2020, and the two later married. Moore’s choice to leave the game at just 29 years old underscored her commitment to causes greater than sports.
With her jersey now hanging in the rafters, Moore joins an elite group of Lynx legends. Her No. 23 becomes the fifth jersey to be retired by the franchise, alongside those of her former teammates Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, Rebekkah Brunson, and Seimone Augustus—all of whom were instrumental in the Lynx’s four championship titles.
Maya Moore’s retirement ceremony was more than just a celebration of her basketball accomplishments; it was a tribute to her character, her influence, and her lasting legacy both on and off the court. As her jersey takes its place among the greats, Moore’s story continues to inspire future generations, reminding us all of the power of dedication, leadership, and the courage to make a difference.
