The Hall of Fame welcomed three WNBA legends on Saturday: Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles. Together, they own 11 Olympic gold medals and 10 WNBA championships.
The Class of 2025 set a milestone that future generations will never forget. These women changed the game and became role models, fully deserving their place in the Hall of Fame.
According to Essentiallysports, the night turned magical with the presence of these icons. Their paths had crossed many times: Moore and Fowles shared the court with the Minnesota Lynx; Bird and Moore played at UConn; and Bird and Fowles competed overseas.
Maya Moore, visibly emotional, said at Symphony Hall: “This is absolutely one of my highlights, going in with Syl and Sue.”
Sue Bird added: “It’s very special to go in with people who are not only incredible players with impact on and off the court, but also players I got to experience life with.”
Bird, now the general manager of women’s basketball for USA Basketball, recalled her coach: “Coach Auriemma, so many years ago, you gave me the most important advice I ever received… the best place of belonging.” She also thanked her teammates for making her feel at home.
Sue Bird, Maya Moore & Sylvia Fowles look good in orange 😏🧡 #25HoopClass pic.twitter.com/llpr8JoSWO
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 6, 2025
She closed by saying: “This Hall of Fame induction isn’t just about individual achievements. It’s about joining a community I will always belong to—a belonging that can never be taken away.”
Beyond Basketball
Sylvia Fowles retired to a quiet life in Miami, enjoying crochet, baking, and biking. She thanked her coaches, teammates, and family for their support, declaring: “To the Minnesota Lynx, damn, we did that.”
Maya Moore retired in 2019 to dedicate her life to social justice. She highlighted a lesson she learned at UConn: the value of teamwork. She also left a powerful message: “Find out what motivates you every day you get out of bed… I challenge you to seek joy and connection every single day… I played so much basketball, I can’t be greedy. I’m glad I achieved that during those years.”
This Hall of Fame induction proved that basketball greatness goes far beyond stats and scores. Its true value lies in the lives and hearts it touches.
