Maya Moore, a standout WNBA star with four championships and two Olympic gold medals, has officially announced her retirement from professional basketball.
In a heartfelt interview on Good Morning America, Moore, 33, shared, “It’s time to put a close to the pro basketball life. I walked away four seasons ago but wanted to make it official.”
Moore stepped away from the court and missed the 2020 Olympics to focus on criminal justice reform. She was deeply involved in advocating for Jonathan Irons, a man she helped exonerate after he spent 22 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Moore and Irons married in 2020, and they welcomed their son, Jonathan Jr., in February of last year. Drafted first all-inclusive by the Minnesota Lynx in 2011, Moore spent her entire eight-year career with the team. During her time with the Lynx, she led them to four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017).
Her remarkable career began with winning the WNBA Championship and Rookie of the Year award in her debut season. In 2013, she was named WNBA Finals MVP, and a year later, she earned the WNBA MVP award.
Reflecting on her career, Moore expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx, and basketball have given me. Playing at the highest level and contributing to the growth of women’s basketball was a dream come true.”
She continued, “From the moment I was drafted, the state of Minnesota, the Lynx organization, and the fans have been incredibly supportive. I am forever grateful to Glen Taylor, Coach Reeve, and the Lynx community for their unwavering support. I’m excited to embrace this next chapter of my life.”
Moore finished her career as the Lynx’s leader in scoring average (18.4 points per game), three-point field goals made (530), and steals (449). The WNBA took to Twitter to celebrate Moore’s legacy, saying, “Thank you, Maya Moore, for all your contributions to basketball. Your impact on the league and the game will be remembered.”
In addition to her WNBA success, Moore won Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 and 2016 and secured two FIBA World Championships in 2010 and 2014.
Her college career at the University of Connecticut was equally impressive, with a 150-4 record, four NCAA Final Four appearances, and back-to-back national titles in 2009 and 2010.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Moore for her “eight incredible seasons” and lauded her as a “rare, generational talent.”
Engelbert added, “Her advocacy for criminal justice reform through her ‘Win With Justice’ project has elevated her impact, inspiring fans worldwide. We wish Maya and her family all the best for the future.”