Maya Moore, one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history, was celebrated on Saturday night as the Minnesota Lynx retired her No. 23 jersey in an emotional ceremony at the Target Center.

Lynx celebrate Maya Moore in an emotional ceremony

Maya Moore, who officially retired from the league last year, became the fourth player in franchise history to receive this honor.

The event took place shortly after the Lynx secured a playoff spot with a 90-80 victory over Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever.

As the ceremony unfolded, Moore stood at center court, surrounded by former teammates, friends, and family.

Her number was unveiled alongside those of fellow Lynx legends Rebekkah Brunson, Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus-players who, like Moore, were instrumental in securing four WNBA championships for the franchise.

The event drew a record crowd of 19,023 fans, who stayed long after the final buzzer to pay tribute to the star.

Moore, who led the Lynx to four titles during her eight-year career, reflected on the support she received throughout her life and career.

“My life is an example of what it looks like when we love a little girl well,”Moore shared during her remarks.

“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.”

Sunday’s ceremony included a special moment for Moore who received an eye-catching customized chest from the Jordan Brand that included a letter jacket and gold shoes.

Moore was the first female player to be signed by the company.

Why did Maya Moore retire from the WNBA?

The evening also featured tributes from her former Lynx teammates.

Lindsay Whalen highlighted Moore’s impact on the team, saying, “The greatest thing I think I can say about Maya is that when you were on her team, you never felt out of any situation, any game.”

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Moore expressed peace with her choice.

“The journey that I had was not expected, but it was exactly the journey that I was supposed to go on,” she said.

Moore stepped away from basketball in 2018 to focus on her work with criminal justice reform, particularly her efforts to free her now-husband, Jonathan Irons, from wrongful imprisonment.

Since his release in 2020, the couple has married, welcomed their first child, and continued their advocacy through their organization, Win With Justice.

While Moore’s playing career may have ended earlier than expected, her legacy on the court is undeniable.

A former WNBA MVP, six-time All-Star, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Moore leaves behind a storied career filled with accolades and unforgettable moments.

One of her most memorable moments came in the 2015 WNBA Finals when she hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer to secure a crucial win against the Indiana Fever.

“All you see in that picture is the [Indiana] fans just speechless as the shot is going up,” Moore recalled.

“All I remember is it was so eerily quiet after the shot went in.”

As the night drew to a close, Moore, visibly moved by the occasion, expressed her gratitude.

“I kind of don’t want this night to end,” she said, as the fans who had long cheered for her echoed her sentiment.